The body of Gaala Aden Abdi, a 17-year-old refugee from Dadaab Refugee Camp, is set to be exhumed today for a postmortem examination, marking a critical step in seeking justice for her tragic death. Gaala was killed after allegedly resisting a forced marriage, an incident that has shocked the nation and drawn widespread condemnation.
The young girl was kidnapped from her home in Dagahaley Refugee Camp, taken 150 kilometers away to Wara Adenmasajida in Wajir South, where she was forced into a marriage. She was subjected to extreme abuse and ultimately murdered, with her body burned beyond recognition. After the crime, her body was hastily buried according to Muslim rituals, and her family has since been fighting for justice.
The postmortem will provide crucial evidence to support ongoing investigations into her death. Wajir Law Court Principal Magistrate Roselyn Aganyo has expressed frustration over the delay in the case, stressing that justice must be served swiftly. She has urged the police to expedite the investigation within ten days, fearing that further delays could jeopardize the evidence needed for justice.
The case has garnered national attention, with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) condemning the act as a horrific example of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The KNCHR described Gaala’s death not just as a murder but as a form of femicide, emphasizing the cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment she endured. They also called for an end to harmful cultural practices such as child and forced marriages, which remain prevalent in some parts of the country.
The commission has urged the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the National Police Service to ensure the perpetrators are held accountable. Additionally, the Department of Refugee Services has been urged to prioritize the implementation of the Refugee Act 2021, which aims to protect vulnerable refugees, including those facing gender-based violence and other rights violations.
Gaala’s tragic death serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against harmful cultural practices and the need for stronger protections for vulnerable individuals in Kenya.
