A court in Dadaab, Garissa County, has ordered the exhumation of the body of orphan Safiya Hussein Bilal to allow a repeat autopsy in connection with her killing.
Senior Principal Magistrate Evans Muleka directed the girl’s relative, Hussein Bilal, to identify the grave so that forensic experts can carry out the exercise. The Chief Government Pathologist will lead the exhumation and conduct the new autopsy, while specialists from the Government Chemist will collect samples for analysis.
The Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) will handle documentation during the process, and the Fafi Sub‑County Public Health Officer will ensure safety standards are observed. The court also allowed Hussein to attend or appoint a pathologist of his choice. Dr. Chweya Arthur, who carried out the first post‑mortem, will also be present.
This development comes weeks after four suspects Shafa Bilal Sharkane, Abubakar Abdullahi, Halima Muhumud Mogow, and Zeynab Salat Samatar were ordered to remain in custody for 20 days as investigations continued.
Detectives had sought more time to collect DNA samples, record witness statements, and secure the area given its proximity to the Somalia border.
The suspects are accused of involvement in the brutal murder of Safiya, a Grade 9 student at a Garissa school. The Director of Public Prosecutions is expected to formally charge them with murder once forensic results from the exhumation are ready.
Authorities say the exercise will provide crucial evidence to strengthen the case and ensure justice for the young girl. The matter will be mentioned again in court on December 10, 2025.
By Michelle Ndaga
