Court orders exhumation of slain orphan girl’s body killed in Garissa
A Dadaab court has ordered the exhumation of 15-year-old orphan Safiya Hussein Bilal, marking a major turning point in the investigation into her killing in Garissa
A Dadaab court has ordered the exhumation of 15-year-old orphan Safiya Hussein Bilal, marking a major turning point in the investigation into her killing in Garissa County.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 9, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) said the directive aims to pave the way for a repeat autopsy that authorities say is necessary to uncover crucial forensic details that were not established in the initial examination.
“A Dadaab court in Garissa County has ordered the exhumation of the body of orphan Safiya Hussein Bilal for a repeat autopsy as part of an ongoing investigation into her death,” the statement read.
According to the ruling, the court has tasked one of the deceased’s relatives with facilitating the exhumation process.
“Senior Principal Magistrate Evans Muleka directed the deceased’s relative, Hussein Bilal, to identify the grave to facilitate the exhumation and allow forensic examinations,” the statement added.
According to the ODPP, the court further directed that the Chief Government Pathologist should take charge of the operation.
“Hon. Muleka further ordered the Chief Government Pathologist to lead and supervise the exhumation and conduct a repeat autopsy, while experts from the Government Chemist will collect samples for analysis,” the statement further read.
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The court also ordered that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations assist with documentation, while the Fafi Subcounty Public Health Officer ensures safety throughout the process.
In addition, the ODPP confirmed that the deceased’s relative is allowed to have an independent pathologist present.
“The court also directed that Hussein may attend or be represented by a pathologist of his choice, and Dr. Chweya Arthur, who conducted the initial post-mortem, will also be present,” the statement noted.
Notably, the orders come just weeks after four suspects linked to the murder were detained for 20 days to allow investigators adequate time to gather evidence.
The suspects, Shafa Bilal Sharkane, Abubakar Abdullahi, Halima Muhumud Mogow, and Zeynab Salat Samatar, are accused of involvement in the killing of Safiya, a refugee and Grade 9 learner at a school in Garissa.
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