The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a statement regarding the death of a 17-year-old girl who died after sustaining burn injuries for reportedly refusing to marry a 55-year-old man.
In the statement, the police said they had arrested three individuals in connection with the murder.
“The National Police Service wishes to confirm to the public that following the tragic death of 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,” read the statement.
The National Police expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased, Gaala Adan, and conveyed their regret over her tragic death.
“While investigators must be allowed to examine all the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate event without bias, the National Police deeply regrets this loss and extends their sympathies to the victim’s family,” stated the National Police.
National Police Service Arrest 3 Suspects in Connection with 17-year-old Girl’s Death
At the same time, the police service has urged Kenyans to avoid harmful cultural practices (early marriages) and allow children to remain children.
According to the police, the three suspects arrested are expected to appear in court imminently after being processed.
Additionally, the National Police Service thanked all persons of goodwill who shared leads that culminated in the arrest of the three suspects.
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The police statement comes a day after residents of Wajir, along with a human rights group, took to the streets to demand action against the perpetrators of Gaala Aden’s murder.
Gaala was allegedly set on fire after refusing to submit to the demands of the 55-year-old man. She had been forcefully married off in an arranged marriage and was taken from her home at the Daagale refugee camp.
17-Year-Old Girl Murdered
On Saturday, March 22, 2025, Gaala made a distress call to her mother, fearing for her life after enduring continuous torture since moving in with the man.
The next call her family received was from a relative informing them of her death. Gaala’s mother said she received the call at around 2:00 a.m., informing her that her daughter had been tortured, placed on a mattress, and set on fire.
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The incident was condemned by Kenyans, including Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo, who labeled the teen’s death as femicide and criticized the associated brutality.
“Another day, another femicide case, another innocent life lost. Have we lost our humanity? Has free will lost its meaning and value in society? Has our Constitution ceased being a manifestation of our national moral fabric? No person, no woman, should have to suffer such an untimely death over their discernment and choice.
We add our voice in condemning this despicable act,” Odhiambo stated.
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