Murdered Jasmine Njoki,11, laid to rest as family, leaders call for justice

Family and friends carry the casket bearing the remains of Jasmine Njoki, 11, who was brutally murdered in Kasambara Village, Gilgil Sub County on September 19, 2023. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

The family of 11-year-old Jasmine Njoki, who was defiled and killed before her body was dumped in a thicket at Kasambara village in Gilgil, Nakuru County, is seeking justice.

Njoki, a Grade Six pupil, was killed on September 19 around 5pm as she was heading home from Nakuru Roots Academy, where she was a pupil.

Njoki's mother Trizah Wangari in her tribute, said that her daughter and a friend were taken from her too soon.

"I prayed to God to help me so I do not fail in my responsibilities to raise my child. I did not fail," she said, adding; "However, today she has been taken from me and this has left me with a lot of tears."

Wangari said it will be tough for her to live without her daughter.

"I will miss every moment we shared together. She was a vibrant girl who was humble and obedient. I can not imagine life without my daughter," she said

There was raw even as local leaders called on the police to expedite investigations and bring culprits to book.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika called on the government to return the death sentence, including hanging for criminals who commit some of these serious offences.

Trizah Wangari, (centre) the mother of Jasmine Njoki who was brutally murdered in Kasambara village, Gilgil sub-county on September 19, 2023. [Daniel Chege, Standard]

The governor said: "I cannot believe a normal human being can do such a thing. I know that the death sentence is unconstitutional, but the government should consider reviewing that decision to ensure people who committed this kind of offences are hanged."

Ms Kihika called the police to speed up investigations are arrest anyone who may have been involved in the killing.

"The police have arrested one suspect. Let them interrogate him properly so he can reveal his accomplices," the governor said.

She called on residents who may know the assailants to reveal them and warned the parents whose children were responsible the offence against hiding them.

"If parents are hiding their children knowing they did such an act, then it is very wrong. They should report them to the police," she said.

Kihika further said those who killed Njoki may be victims of drug abuse and illicit brew usage. She promised that the county would step up the fight against illicit brew and drug abuse.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari said: "Those who committed the offence are not humans but wild animals and should be treated as such when they are apprehended."

"I want to warn criminals that your days are numbered. The police, indeed and the whole government, would not rest until they are arrested, charged and jailed," Kihika said.

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari said: "Those who committed the offence are not humans but wild animals and should be treated as such when they are apprehended."

She called on residents to report such incidents as she condemned crime in the area.

The MP called on the administration of the village to clear the thicket that has been as a hideout for dangerous criminals.

"We hope that every individual in this area will take their responsibilities to ensure security is improved," said Wangari.

Naivasha East MCA Stanley Karanja condemned the police for not moving with speed to apprehend Njoki's killers.

"If Njoki was from a rich family, the police would have arrested all the suspects by now," he said.