Police have arrested three suspects linked to the gruesome murder of 17-year-old Gaala Aden Abdi in Wajir County after she allegedly refused to be married off to a 55-year-old man.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed on Saturday that among those arrested is the man who was supposed 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.
Gaala was killed and burned beyond recognition for resisting the forced marriage, an act that has sparked public outrage and calls for justice.
The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the act, stating that Gaala was subjected to severe abuse before being killed and her body set on fire.
NPS urged the public to shun harmful cultural practices and protect children’s rights. The three suspects are set to appear in court after the legal processing is complete.
