Police have arrested three individuals linked to the brutal murder of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi in Wajir after she refused to marry a 55-year-old man.
The National Police Service confirmed on Saturday that the suspects, including the man who was supposed to be her husband, have been detained.
“The National Police Service wishes to confirm to the public that following the tragic death of the 17-year-old ‘child bride,’ we were able to act swiftly and apprehend three key suspects, including the alleged ‘husband’ of the victim,” the NPS stated.
The police force expressed their sorrow over the young girl’s death, urging the public to reject harmful cultural practices and allow children to live their lives freely.
The suspects are expected to face court proceedings soon.
Gaala was brutally murdered and her body set ablaze in Wajir County after resisting the forced marriage. The incident has sparked outrage and widespread public outcry, with many demanding justice for the victim and strong action against those responsible.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have condemned the incident, describing the abuse Gaala endured before her death, which left her body unrecognizable.
Gaala, a refugee, had been secretly transported from the Dagahley refugee camp, 150 kilometers away, to the remote village of Wara, Ademasajida in Habaswein to meet her alleged future husband for the first time. Despite intense pressure from the man’s relatives, she refused the marriage, and this rejection led to her tragic death.
Before her murder, Gaala reportedly made a phone call on Saturday night, revealing plans for her death and identifying those responsible.
