A 26-year-old community health volunteer has been charged with the brutal murder of his 17-year-old niece in a case that has sent shockwaves across Garissa County, with prosecutors revealing disturbing details of alleged sexual violence, deception, and an attempted secret burial.
The accused, Shafa Bilal Shaklane, appeared before the High Court in Garissa on Tuesday, where he was formally charged with one count of murder contrary to Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code. The charge stems from the death of Safiya Hussein Bilal, a minor who was allegedly killed under horrifying circumstances in Fafi Sub-County.
Appearing before Justice John Onyiego, Shaklane pleaded not guilty after the court rejected an application by the defence seeking to halt the plea-taking process. The defence had argued that the accused was not mentally fit to stand trial and requested a second mental assessment.
Prosecution Opposes Mental Assessment Objection
Principal Prosecution Counsel Bernard Owuor informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had approved the murder charge after investigations established sufficient evidence linking the accused to the crime.
According to the prosecution, the murder was allegedly committed on November 16, 2025, at around midnight at Borehole 5 in Fafi Sub-County, Garissa County. The court heard that the accused had been subjected to a mental assessment, which concluded that while he exhibited a mild form of mental psychopathology due to psychoactive substance abuse—specifically khat—he was nonetheless fit to stand trial.
Mr. Owuor strongly opposed the defence’s request for a second mental evaluation, stating that the purpose of such an assessment is solely to determine whether an accused person understands the nature of the charges against them and is capable of participating in their defence.
“The report is clear. The accused understands the charge he is facing, the condition does not interfere with his mental status, and it does not affect his capacity to stand trial,” the prosecutor told the court.
Accused Demonstrates Mental Capacity in Court
Justice Onyiego also questioned the accused directly to assess his comprehension of the proceedings. Shaklane responded coherently, outlining his personal and professional background.
“I am a community health worker and a father of two, including a minor who is yet to start schooling,” he told the judge, adding that he understood why he had been brought before the court.
Based on the assessment report and the accused’s responses, the judge ruled that the plea-taking process should proceed. Shaklane then formally entered a not guilty plea to the murder charge.
Disturbing Allegations of Defilement and Cover-Up
In a chilling revelation, the prosecution disclosed that the deceased was allegedly defiled before being strangled to death. The court further heard that after the killing, the accused allegedly attempted to orchestrate a secret burial to conceal the crime.
According to prosecutors, Shaklane misled several people into believing that the 17-year-old had died of dengue fever, a claim that investigators later established to be false. He allegedly sought assistance from community members to wash and shroud the body in preparation for an Islamic burial, in what the prosecution described as a calculated attempt to destroy evidence.
Three individuals who were initially arrested in connection with the murder have since been released and turned into prosecution witnesses after investigators determined they had been misled by the accused.
Child Witness Under Protection to Testify
The prosecution indicated that it intends to call nine witnesses to prove its case, including a 13-year-old boy who is currently under witness protection due to the sensitive nature of the testimony.
Justice Onyiego directed that the minor be presented before the court later in the day to give evidence, in line with resolutions by the local court users committee, which prioritize the swift hearing of cases involving child witnesses to minimize trauma and delays.
The judge emphasized the need for special handling of child witnesses, particularly in cases involving sexual violence and murder, noting that the justice system has a duty to protect vulnerable victims while ensuring a fair trial.
Case Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
The case has sparked widespread outrage in Garissa County and beyond, with residents expressing shock that a trusted community health volunteer could be implicated in such a heinous crime involving a close family member.
Human rights activists and child protection advocates have renewed calls for harsher penalties for offenders involved in sexual violence against minors, as well as stronger community surveillance mechanisms to protect vulnerable children.
As the trial begins, all eyes will be on the High Court in Garissa as prosecutors seek to prove their case against Shaklane, while the defence prepares to challenge the evidence presented. If convicted, the accused faces the death penalty, which remains the maximum sentence for murder under Kenyan law.
The matter is set to proceed with witness testimony as the court continues to unravel the grim events surrounding the death of 17-year-old Safiya Hussein Bilal—a case that has become a painful reminder of the urgent need to protect children and ensure justice for victims of violent crime.
