Three suspects arrested over brutal murder of Wajir girl who refused to marry 55-year-old man

Police have arrested three suspects alleged to be behind the brutal murder of a 17-year-old girl, Gaala Aden Abdi, in Wajir for refusing to be married off to a 55-year-old man.

The National Police Service confirmed on Saturday that the three had been put behind bars, including the man expected to be her husband.

“The National Police Service wishes to confirm to the public that following the tragic death of a 17-year-old "child bride", the police were able to move with speed and apprehend three main suspects, amongst them the purported "husband" to the child,” NPS stated.

NPS expressed its regrets following the tragic death of the minor, urging the public to shun harmful cultural practices and let children be children.

The trio are expected to appear in court imminently after being processed.

Gaala was killed and burned beyond recognition in Wajir County for resisting a forced marriage.

The incident which has since elicited outrage and anger in the public sphere, saw Kenyans calling for justice for the victim and decisive action against perpetrators.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) highlighted the incident, saying she was subjected to severe abuse, ultimately killed and her body burnt beyond recognition.

Gaala, a refugee, had been transported at night from the Dagahley refugee camp, 150 kilometers away, to Wara, Ademasajida in Habaswein—a remote village— to meet her husband for the first time.

Her rejection, despite coercion from the man's relatives, led to her death. However, she reportedly made a call on Saturday night, revealing plans for her death and naming those who orchestrated it.