A third man has been charged in connection with the disturbing murder of a 17-year-old refugee girl in Wajir, a case that has stirred strong public anger over early marriage and violence against girls within refugee communities.

On Thursday, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions confirmed that Mussa Sheikh was formally charged with the murder of Gaala Adan before the Garissa High Court. Gaala was killed on March 22, 2025, in Lolkuta South Sub-location, Wara Location, Hadado Sub-county, Wajir County.

Principal Prosecution Counsel Bernard Owour told the court that Sheikh acted alongside two other men —, Mohammed Kassim Tiffow and Adan Mohammed Ahmed, both of whom were earlier charged with Gaala’s murder.

The prosecution says the trio jointly took part in the killing, which has sparked national attention due to the victim's age and the nature of her marriage.

Sheikh’s arraignment came after a second mental evaluation confirmed he was fit to face trial. He denied the charges before Justice John Onyiego.

Gaala Adan, a minor born on January 1, 2008, had been married off to Tiffow, a 40-year-old man, just a month before her death. According to court records, the traditional Somali wedding took place on February 22, 2025, at the Dagahaley Refugee Camp. The revelation that she was married while still a child has only deepened public outrage and renewed focus on the dangers faced by young girls in vulnerable communities.

Earlier, the DPP charged Tiffow and Ahmed in connection with the murder. They also denied the charges.

All three suspects have been released on a bond of one million shillings each as they await trial.

The case is scheduled for hearing on October 7 and 8, as families, rights groups, and the public closely follow developments in what is now seen as a test case in tackling child marriage and gender-based violence in refugee settings.