Garissa Human Rights Activists Demand Justice for Grade 9 Student Allegedly Raped and Killed by Uncle.

Garissa.

Human rights activists in Garissa are calling for swift and uncompromised justice after a Grade 9 student was allegedly raped and killed by her paternal uncle in Borehole 5 near Hagadera Refugee Camp.

The suspect, identified as Hussein Bilal, alias Kadogo, was arrested by members of the public on Saturday night and handed over to officers at Hagadera Police Station.

Police say the victim, Safiya Abdi Bilal, had recently completed her Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) on November 3, 2025. Her body was discovered on Saturday night, prompting an immediate investigation.

In a statement, Borehole 5 Primary & Junior School headteacher Khalif Hassan confirmed the death, describing Safiya as a promising learner whose life “was tragically cut short through a heinous act.”

The school urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure a fair trial, adding: “We pray that Safiya gets justice.”

Human rights defenders in Garissa condemned the killing as a systemic failure in child protection.

Barlin Ali, Gender Officer, Pastoralist Girls Initiative (PGI) warned traditional elders against intervening in the case, saying mediation in murder, rape and gender-based violence matters often leads to the collapse of justice.

“This is a criminal matter. There must be no out-of-court settlements,” she said.

Activist Muktar Dahir Osman called on the police to handle the case transparently and expeditiously.

“This tragedy must not disappear without accountability. It is not only about prosecution, it is about strengthening child protection mechanisms,” he said.

He also faulted the Maslah system for enabling perpetrators of violence against girls to escape formal justice.

Garissa County Director of Education Abdihamid Maalim Ali expressed shock at the killing, terming it “a painful loss to the family, school, and education fraternity.” He appealed to parents to be more vigilant during the long school holiday.

Attempts to reach Safiya’s parents for comment were unsuccessful. Police investigations are ongoing, and the suspect is expected to be arraigned in Garissa.