Police in Garissa have been granted a 20-day extension to finalize investigations into the shocking death of 17-year-old Safiya Hussein Bilal, whose body was discovered at her home on November 16.
The teen, an orphan and Grade 9 student at Borehole 5 Primary and Junior School, had just completed her Kenya Junior School Education Assessment earlier in November, raising hopes for her academic future before tragedy struck.
Senior Principal Magistrate Evans Muleka of Dadaab court on Tuesday approved the extension after hearing that law enforcement needed more time to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Four individuals, identified as Shafa Bilal Sharkane, Abubakar Abdullahi, Halima Muhumud Mogow, and Zeynab Salat Samatar, are currently under investigation for their alleged roles in the killing.
According to investigating officer Jefferson Mwiti, the first suspect is accused of sexually assaulting and strangling Safiya while she slept. The second suspect is said to have attempted to conceal the crime, while the third and fourth suspects allegedly washed her body to remove traces of evidence.
Mwiti explained that investigators still need to record additional witness statements, conduct mental evaluations of the suspects, and ensure the security of both the accused and the public.
He noted that the proximity of Fafi Sub-County to the Somalia border increases the risk of suspects fleeing, underscoring the need for careful handling of the case.
Prosecution lawyer Simon Eyanae asked the court to approve the extension, citing the public’s interest in seeing justice done. He confirmed that police plan to collect DNA samples from the first suspect to match against evidence recovered from Safiya.
Eyanae emphasized that thorough investigations are essential to deliver justice to Safiya’s family.
Magistrate Muleka ordered that the suspects remain in custody at Hagadera Police Station during the 20-day period.
The tragedy has left the school and wider community in mourning. Headteacher Khalif A. Hassan described Safiya as a dedicated and bright student whose life was cut short too soon. The school administration has called on authorities to ensure that the case is investigated thoroughly and fairly.
“We pray that Safiya Hussein Bilal gets justice,” the school stated.
Human rights groups in Garissa condemned the killing, citing it as a reflection of weaknesses in child protection. Activist Muktar Dahir Osman urged prompt action and transparency in handling the case.
“This tragedy must not be allowed to fade without accountability. Justice for Safiya is not only about prosecuting the offender—it is about strengthening child protection mechanisms so that no other learner suffers such harm,” he said.
Muktar also highlighted a rising trend of violence against girls, noting that some families continue to rely on the Maslah system, an alternative dispute resolution method, which may impede access to formal justice.
Garissa County Director of Education Abdihamid Maalim Ali called Safiya’s death “deeply saddening” and reminded parents to remain alert as the school holiday continues. The case has reignited concerns about the safety of children in vulnerable areas and underscored the urgent need for protective measures.
