Police arrest husband, two others over brutal murder of 17-year-old Gaala Adan in Wajir

Police have arrested three suspects in connection with the death of 17-year-old Gaala Adan in Wajir County, an incident that has drawn attention to the dangers of harmful cultural practices.

Among those taken into custody is the man said to have been the teenager’s husband.

The National Police Service (NPS) on Saturday confirmed the arrests, stating that officers acted swiftly to apprehend the key suspects. Investigators are now working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the girl’s death.

“While investigators have to be allowed without prejudice to piece together all the circumstances that led to this most tragic death, NPS deeply regrets this death and condoles with the family of the victim while asking the wider Kenyan community to desist from harmful cultural practices while letting children be just that: children,” said Police Spokesman, Muchiri Nyaga.

The Police have indicated that the three suspects are being processed and will soon be presented in court.

The NPS also acknowledged the role played by members of the public in providing crucial information that led to the arrests.

“We would also wish to thank all persons of goodwill who were able to widely share leads that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects,” Nyaga added.

As investigations continue, police have reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order, emphasising the need to protect children from practices that put their lives at risk.

“As a Service, we remain steadfast and committed to our mandate of maintaining law and order,” Nyaga stated.

Gaala’s murder has shocked the country, with details of her final moments revealing a horrific case of gender-based violence.

In a voice recording to her mother, she described the abuse she was enduring for rejecting a forced marriage to a 55-year-old man. Her body was later found severely burned, with multiple stab wounds and a spinal injury.

As a result, Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) urged law enforcement agencies to act swiftly.

“The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) and the National Police Service (NPS) must expedite investigations and ensure that all those responsible face the full force of the law,” said KNCHR Vice Chairperson Dr. Raymond Nyeris.

The commission also called for stronger protection measures for victims of forced marriages and gender-based violence, particularly in refugee camps.

Kenya has long been seen as a safe haven for refugees, but KNCHR warned that Gaala’s murder threatens the spirit of integration and protection envisioned in the Shirika Plan.

“This crime stands in direct opposition to the principles of inclusion and refugee protection that Kenya has upheld for years,” the commission stated.

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• forced marriages
• Police arrest husband
• two others over brutal murder of 17-year-old Gaala Adan in Wajir

Beyond seeking justice for Gaala, KNCHR stressed that her killing is a violation of constitutional rights.

As part of the broader call to protect refugees, KNCHR urged the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) to fully implement the Refugee Act 2021, which provides legal protection for asylum seekers.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) described the killing as a horrifying example of gender-based violence and called for urgent action. "Forced marriages are illegal. We call on law enforcement to act swiftly and ensure justice for this young girl," the commission said in a statement.

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK), through its President Faith Odhiambo, also condemned the murder, stressing the need for immediate action.

"Another day, another femicide case, another innocent life lost. Have we lost our humanity?" LSK President Faith Odhiambo stated.

She urged security agencies to find and prosecute those responsible, insisting that justice must be served.