Nakuru leaders have joined hands in calling for justice for the family of 12-year old Jasmine Njoki whose lifeless body was found in a thicket.

Preliminary reports indicate that she was abducted, defiled and murdered.

Leaders who attended the burial held at her parents’ home in Kasambara village, Eburu Maruk Ward in Gilgil Sub county called on investigating agencies to ensure justice for the young girl’s family that has been left with so much grief, as Jasmine was the firstborn in the family.

Read: 12-year-old girl found murdered in Gilgil, body dumped in thicket

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika who attended the burial said the culprits behind the heinous act should be dealt with by the law.

Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika and Eburu Mbaruk MCA during the burial of Jasmine Njoki in Kasambara on September 27, 2023.

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She wondered why such had to happen on the little girl shuttering the dreams she had for her family in Kasambara.

While re-revisiting the move by the country to do away with the death sentence, Kihika who has a background law, said there is a need of bringing it back to tame individuals such as those who caused the death of Jasmine.

“Why would someone do that to this young girl that we are laying to rest today? I think even though we did away with the death sentence, I think we need to bring such back so that individuals such as the ones who did this can be dealt with appropriately,” said Kihika.

Area Member of Parliament Martha Wangari while condemning the incident that led to the death of Jasmine, revealed that one suspect has been arrested and a case has commenced in court.

Also Read: Roots Academy holds counselling sessions for the classmates of a 12-year-old girl who was found murdered

Gilgil MP Martha Wangari during the burial of Jasmine Njoki at Kasambara on September 27, 2023.

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She added that DNA samples have been taken to Kisumu whose results will help in the ongoing investigations.

The lawmaker at the same time has called on the locals who own the parcel of land where Jasmine’s body was found to help clear the thicket.

“We are optimistic that justice will be found at last for this family,” stated Martha.

She has also challenged local chiefs against reverting to solving some criminal issues out of court adding that his has continued to derail the journey to justice.

Jasmine Njoki's mother (centre) is consoled during the burial of her daughter on September 27, 2023.

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Meanwhile, a police post shall be set up in the area at the Assistant Chief’s office, the MP revealed amid applause from the locals.

She said this will go a long way in addressing challenges of insecurity in the vast village of Leleshwa in Kasambara.

Sources in the DCI office revealed to Mtaa Wangu that the suspect is 21 years old.

Area MCA Michael Gathanwa on his part reiterated that the only way to restore sanity and cleanse the area is to ensure justice is served for Jasmine’s family.

He called on all agencies involved in the matter to use the power available and bring to book all the culprits.

Jasmine Njoki's father during the burial of his daughter at Kasambara on September 27, 2023.

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The civic leader called on all elected leaders, human rights defenders and the religious leaders to join hands in seeking justice for Jasmine.

“We should not move on until justice for Jasmine is served,” said the MCA.

Sentiments echoed by his Naivasha East counterpart Stanley Karanja who is also the Secretary General of MCAs in the country.

pmambili@gmail.com

Nakuru leaders call for justice as defiled and murdered 12-year old girl is laid to rest

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Pristone Mambili