Three Arrested in Wajir Over Brutal Murder of Teen Forced Into Marriage

Three individuals have been arrested in connection with the horrific murder of a 17-year-old girl in Wajir County, a case that has sparked renewed debate over child marriages and gender-based violence in Kenya.

According to Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, among those arrested is the 55-year-old man the girl was forced to marry. “The National Police Service deeply regrets this tragic incident and extends its condolences to the victim’s family. We urge the Kenyan community to abandon harmful cultural practices and allow children to enjoy their childhood,” Nyaga said.

The victim, originally from a refugee family in Dadaab, was allegedly abducted and held captive for 27 days before being murdered. Her body was then set on fire in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

A distressing voice recording sent to her mother before her death revealed the extent of the abuse she suffered. “I am being beaten 24 hours a day… This is not a man… No one listens to me… Every evening when I enter that house, I am beaten,” she cried in the recording.

Her mother recounted her daughter’s final moments. “At around 10pm, she called me, saying they had started stabbing her. Then they took her phone, and everything went silent. Hours later, at around 2am, I received a call informing me that my daughter had been butchered.”

The gruesome murder has ignited public outrage, with activists and leaders calling for justice and stronger action against forced marriages. Police say investigations are ongoing as the suspects remain in custody.