By Andrew Kariuki
A 26-year-old man has been formally charged before the High Court in Garissa over the death of his 17-year-old niece.
The accused, Shafa Bilal Shaklane, appeared before Justice John Onyiego and denied a charge of murder brought under Sections 203 and 204 of the Penal Code.
Prosecutors allege that the victim, Safiya Hussein Bilal, was killed on the night of November 16, 2025, at Borehole 5 in Fafi Sub-County, Garissa County.
Addressing the court, Principal Prosecution Counsel Bernard Owuor said the charge was approved by the Director of Public Prosecutions following investigations into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death.
Before the plea was taken, the defence raised concerns over the accused’s mental fitness, citing a psychiatric assessment that referenced a mild psychological condition linked to substance use. Defence counsel asked the court to halt the proceedings and order a fresh evaluation.
The prosecution opposed the request, maintaining that the assessment clearly found the accused mentally capable of understanding the proceedings and participating in his defence. Mr. Owuor told the court that the condition identified did not impair the accused’s judgment or legal capacity.
Justice Onyiego personally questioned the accused to assess his comprehension of the case.
In response, Shaklane stated that he works as a community health volunteer and is a father of two children.
Satisfied that the accused was fit to take plea, the court allowed the proceedings to continue. Shaklane pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
The prosecution informed the court that it intends to call nine witnesses, among them a 13-year-old child who is currently under protective measures.
The judge directed that the minor’s testimony be prioritised and taken later in the day, in line with court guidelines on child witnesses.
According to the prosecution, the deceased was sexually assaulted before being killed by strangulation.
It is further alleged that the accused attempted to conceal the incident by arranging for the body to be cleaned and prepared for burial under the pretext that the girl had died from illness.
Three individuals who were initially detained during investigations have since been released and are expected to testify for the prosecution.
The matter will proceed for further directions as the trial process continues.
