A 26-year-old community health volunteer, Shafa Bilal Shaklane, has been charged with the murder of his 17-year-old niece, Safiya Hussein Bilal.
The High Court in Garissa heard that the alleged crime occurred on November 16, 2025, in Fafi Sub-County.
Shaklane pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution intends to call nine witnesses, including a 13-year-old under protection.
Principal Prosecution Counsel Bernard Owuor told the court on Tuesday that the Director of Public Prosecutions had charged Shaklane with the murder of Safiya Hussein Bilal.
The alleged offence occurred on November 16, 2025, at around midnight at Borehole 5 in Fafi Sub-County, Garissa County.
The court was informed that the accused had previously been assessed for mental fitness after a defense objection sought to defer the plea, citing a report indicating he suffered from a mild form of mental psychopathology due to psychoactive substance abuse, khat.
Owuor opposed the defense's application, asserting that the report concluded the accused was fit to stand trial, as he understood the nature of the charge facing him.
He emphasised that the condition does not interfere with his mental status and does not affect his capacity to stand trial, noting that the assessment’s purpose is to determine the fitness or otherwise of the accused to stand trial.
The accused demonstrated his understanding of the proceedings when the court inquired into his professional and family background.
Shaklane told the judge, “I am a community health worker and a father of two, including a minor who is yet to start schooling.” Upon reading of the charge, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution indicated that it would call nine witnesses, including a 13-year-old boy under protection, to establish its case.
Justice Onyiego directed that the minor be presented later in the day to give testimony, in line with resolutions prioritising child witnesses set by the local court users committee.
Court proceedings revealed the alleged circumstances of the crime. It is claimed that the deceased was defiled before being strangled to death.
The accused allegedly attempted to secretly bury her, enlisting the help of three individuals who were initially arrested but have since been turned into prosecution witnesses.
The court heard that the accused misled them into believing the deceased had died of dengue, seeking their assistance to wash and shroud the body in preparation for an Islamic burial.
The case has drawn attention to both the nature of the alleged crime and the involvement of close family members, reaffirming the sensitive handling required in court.
The prosecution’s plan to present child witnesses and prior statements reflects efforts to build a thorough case while observing protective measures.
Justice Onyiego will oversee the presentation of the witnesses and the continued proceedings, ensuring the legal processes are adhered to in accordance with Kenyan law.
The High Court will evaluate the evidence provided, including statements, witness testimony, and other corroborating materials, before proceeding with trial stages.
