A family in Naivasha is pleading with the High Court to conclude a four-year case involving the brutal murder of their 15-year-old daughter, Valeria Njeri, as the country observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
In November 2019, tragedy struck the Ndunu family when they discovered Valeria’s lifeless body in a pool of blood outside their home in Mirera Estate, 20 kilometres from Naivasha town.
The Form Two student had been stabbed over ten times, allegedly after rejecting the suspect’s sexual advances.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested and charged in connection with the murder, but four years later, the family is still waiting for justice as the case remains unresolved.
John Ndunu, Valeria’s father, spoke during a memorial service at their home, expressing frustration over the court’s slow progress.
“All the witnesses have testified, and even the defence has presented its case, yet the judgment keeps getting postponed,” Ndunu lamented. “The delay has taken a toll on us emotionally, spiritually, and financially.
It is draining to travel to court every month only to face more adjournments.”
He urged the judiciary to expedite the case, emphasizing that a swift resolution could serve as a deterrent to rising cases of femicide in the country.
Valeria’s mother, Marygoretta Ndunu, echoed the sentiment, describing the anguish the family endures each time the case is adjourned.
“For the past two months, the court has postponed the judgment three times without any clear explanation. We only want justice for our daughter so we can begin to heal,” she said tearfully.
“Justice delayed is justice denied, and every visit to the courtroom reopens wounds that have never healed.”
Adding to their pain, the family revealed that the accused, now in university, continues with his studies while they grapple with the loss of their firstborn child.
A neighbour, George Ndung’u, described Valeria as a bright and innocent girl beloved by the community.
“Her murder shocked us all, and the memories remain fresh. We hope the family will finally get the justice they have been waiting for,” he said.
The family is now appealing to the judiciary to prioritize the case, stressing the need for closure and accountability after years of waiting.
