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A family in Bamba, Kilifi county, is crying for justice after their 17-year-old pregnant daughter, who had been arrested by police for failing to report to Form One, died mysteriously at a police station.

The family alleged that Margaret Masha, who was six months pregnant was defiled and killed in the cells at Bamba Police Station.

Zawadi Kazungu, a sister of the deceased, said the minor who sat her Class Eight exam at Paziani Primary School last year, was arrested alongside her boyfriend,17, on January 26 by police and education officials enforcing the 100 per cent transition policy. 

She said the minor had wanted to return to school next year after giving birth.

However, Ganze Sub-county police commander Timothy Muasi claimed the girl committed suicide by hanging, using her scarf.

“… the truth of the matter will be known soon since the matter has be taken over by homicide officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations,” he said.

Masha and her boyfriend had been taken to Bamba Law Courts where the latter was charged with defilement. 

The magistrate had directed the girl be placed under the protection of the Children’s Department but was still in police custody when the death occurred.

Kazungu claimed police had secretly moved the body from the cells to Kilifi Sub-county Hospital mortuary in an attempted cover-up the alleged rape.

“We are demanding to know who killed her and why.  Why was she allowed into the cells with the scarf if this version of the story is true?” Kazungu asked.

Area MP Teddy Mwambire called for a thorough probe into the circumstances leading to the death of the girl.