A community in Kilifi County is in deep mourning after 15 year old Farida Kadzo, a Form One student, was allegedly stabbed to death by her boyfriend in a shocking incident that unfolded in front of her younger brother.
The horrifying attack occurred at her parents’ home in Ganze Sub-County on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, just weeks after she had resumed school following years of trauma and recovery.
Farida, who had previously survived an abusive relationship with the same boyfriend, had recently been rescued from his grip through the intervention of local authorities and human rights organizations.
She was just beginning to rebuild her life and return to school when tragedy struck again.
On the day of her murder, the suspect identified by local sources as a young man from the same village visited Farida at home.
Neighbours and family members say the two sat outside chatting peacefully for a while before the conversation grew tense.
The man reportedly became agitated after Farida declined his invitation to attend a family event with him.
According to Farida’s 11 year old brother, who was present throughout, the suspect’s tone quickly shifted.
He began yelling, prompting concerned glances from those nearby. But what followed was worse than anyone could have imagined.
The suspect suddenly gave chase when Farida walked away, and within seconds, he pulled out a knife and fatally stabbed her in full view of her brother.
Family members rushed out of the house after hearing her screams, only to find her lying in a pool of blood. The suspect fled the scene and is currently being sought by police.
Kilifi County Police Commander Fatuma Hadi confirmed that a manhunt is underway and urged the suspect to surrender to authorities.
The killing has sparked outrage from human rights advocates and civil society organizations.
The International Justice Mission (IJM) Kenya, which had previously supported Farida through legal proceedings related to her earlier abuse, condemned the murder in strong terms.
“We extend our deepest condolences to Farida’s family and community. This is not just a personal tragedy; it is a glaring reminder of the persistent threat of violence against women and girls in Kenya,” IJM Kenya said in a statement.
The organization called for urgent reforms in how repeat perpetrators of gender-based violence are handled by the justice system.
Community members described Farida as bright, ambitious, and full of potential.
She had dreams of becoming a nurse and often helped care for younger siblings and elderly neighbours.
Her family is devastated and is now calling for justice and protection for other vulnerable girls in similar circumstances.
“This boy had already hurt her once. Why was he allowed to roam free?” Farida’s aunt asked reporters. “She just wanted to go back to school and live her life.”
As Kenya continues to grapple with a rise in cases of femicide and intimate partner violence, Farida’s story has reignited calls for stronger enforcement of protective laws and better psychosocial support for survivors.
Her death comes barely a week after another high-profile case involving the death of blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody, sparking nationwide protests.
By Newshub