By:Betty Luke
The prime suspect in the murder of 19-year-old Nasibo Tadicha will remain in custody at Isiolo Prison after the court ordered that he undergo a mental assessment before taking a plea.
Senior Resident Magistrate Maureen Atieno Odhiambo directed that a mental assessment report be filed before the suspect returns to court on August 28, when a date for plea-taking is expected to be given.
Ibrahim Arero Malicha is suspected of being behind the death of Ms Tadicha, who went missing in late July before her body was found dumped in a toilet.
The court appearance came as family members, residents and human rights actors called for a thorough investigation and justice for the teenager.
Nasibo’s father, Abdi Tadicha, called for heightened investigations, noting that his daughter’s phone had not been recovered. He also appealed for support to facilitate witnesses to appear in court as well as ensure they are safeguarded.
“I appeal for more intensified investigation into the murder of my daughter because even her phone is yet to be recovered,” noted Mr Tadicha.
Hi sentiments were echoed by Bakasa Jillo who called for witness protection, saying witnesses need support to appear in court and provide evidence without fear.
“We demand witness protection. We call on all stakeholders to support with resources that will ensure witnesses appear in court promptly whenever they are called upon to do so,” Jillo said.
National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) representative Nahashon Lotaruk commended the police and Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for the swift arrest of the suspect.
“We appreciate the swiftness from police and DCI to apprehend the perpetrator. We commit to this process to ensure witnesses are availed at the rightful time when that time comes,” Lotaruk said.
Resident Mohammed Abduba Wario said such incidents were becoming rampant and urged communities to protect one another and ensure everyone lives with dignity.
“Such incidents are happening almost every other day. We call for government intervention so that such incidents are stopped,” Wario said, calling for the law to take its course.
Girl Concern representative Nasibo Wario urged residents not to shy away from testifying in such cases noting many survivors of violence were unable to access justice due to lack of witnesses.
