Police arrest three in connection with Gaala Adan’s murder

Authorities in Wajir County have arrested three individuals linked to the tragic death of 17-year-old Gaala Adan, a case that has sparked nationwide outrage over harmful cultural practices.

Among the suspects is the man alleged to have been the teenager’s husband.

The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrests on Saturday, stating that officers acted promptly in apprehending the key suspects.

Investigators are now focused on uncovering the exact circumstances leading to 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.

Authorities indicated that the three suspects are undergoing legal processing and will soon be arraigned in court.

The NPS also acknowledged the crucial role played by the public in providing leads 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 progress, police have reiterated their commitment to upholding law and order, emphasizing the need to shield children from harmful practices that endanger their lives.

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

Gaala’s death has sent shockwaves across the country, with disturbing details emerging about the violence she suffered.

In a voice message to her mother, she described enduring abuse for rejecting a forced marriage to a 55-year-old man.

Her body was later discovered with severe burns, multiple stab wounds, and a spinal injury.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has urged law enforcement agencies to expedite investigations and ensure justice for the victim.

“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.

KNCHR also called for stronger protections for victims of forced marriages and gender-based violence, particularly in refugee camps, warning that such cases threaten Kenya’s longstanding commitment to refugee protection.

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

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

The commission urged the Department of Refugee Services (DRS) to fully implement the Refugee Act 2021, which grants legal protection to asylum seekers.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) condemned the killing, describing it as a horrifying case of gender-based violence that demands immediate 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 decried the killing, stressing the urgency of taking firm action against femicide.

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

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