The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) and the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) have condemned the murder of Gaal Adan Abdi, a 17-year-old girl who was killed for refusing forced marriage to a 55-year-old man.
Before her untimely death, she had left several voicemails to her mother, emotionally recounting the physical abuse she was receiving daily from both her husband and his relatives, revealing that she did not want to be in the marriage and would rather go back to the refugee camp where she had been living.
Just moments before she passed, she told her mother that her tormentors were taking the phone from her so she would not be able to talk for a while. Later, her mother was contacted and told there would be no reason to visit her daughter anymore. Unbeknownst to her, her daughter had been killed, and her body was burned.
Following a report by NTV, LSK President Faith Odhiambo demanded immediate action from police officers and the arrest of those involved in the heinous act.
"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," Odhiambo mused.
"We add our voice to condemning this despicable act. We call on our security agencies to take immediate steps to find, apprehend, and prosecute the perpetrator of this heinous crime. We demand justice for Gaal Aden Abdi."
NGEC also jumped to the defence of the minor, noting the clear breach of the law in the perpetration of the crime and the escalating cases of gender-based violence in the country.
The commission called for a quick resolution in the matter that would include all those involved in the murder to be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
"This is not just a crime; it's a violation of human rights, a betrayal of justice, and an alarming reflection of gender-based violence in Kenya," the NGEC stated.
"Enough is enough! Forced marriages are illegal. We call on law enforcement to act swiftly and ensure justice for this young girl. Did you know? 1 in 4 girls in Kenya is married off before turning 18. This must end!"
Abdi had lived with the man for just 23 days before she was butchered and her body burnt, reportedly by her husband, his brother and other family members. The main suspect has since been arrested, with investigations ongoing to unravel the gruesome crime.
Her body was found dumped outside a rental house with burns all over. An autopsy report found that she had suffered severe burns and her spinal cord had been damaged.
This case comes on the heels of rising concerns about escalating femicide cases across the country, with human rights activists calling for an end to the matter.
A march on 10 January was teargassed by police officers as participants marked the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against GBV. The event aimed to bring together women, human rights activists, and allies to raise awareness about femicide.
