Sombre mood as mourners call for justice for slain Kilifi Chief Officer

Malindi

Friday, July 28, 2023

KNA by Emmanuel Masha 

A sombre mood engulfed Kwabwani village of Mwanamwinga Ward in Kilifi County during the funeral service of slain Chief Officer for the Blue Economy Rahab Amani Karisa. 

Tears flowed freely at the Rahab’s parent’s home where the casket made a brief stopover before the funeral service that was held at a nearby playground, with speakers demanding justice for the departed 31-year-old mother of two. 

Governor Gideon Mung’aro, who led county staff, family members, relatives and hundreds of Mwanamwinga Ward residents in mourning the chief officer, said his administration would not rest until the person who killed the chief officer is brought to book. 

Ms Karisa, who served as the Chief Officer for the Blue Economy in the County Department for Agriculture, Livestock Development and the Blue Economy, was allegedly stabbed to death by her house help as she slept in her house, hardly a day after arriving from a working trip in Italy. 

The suspect identified as Diana Naliaka was arrested in Bungoma County Tuesday as she was allegedly fleeing to a neighbouring country and was arraigned in a Kilifi Court Thursday where investigators were given three weeks to complete their investigations. 

“Though it is not our mandate to direct the Judiciary, we shall strive to ensure that the killer gets the justice she deserves,” a saddened Mr. Mung’aro said as he eulogized the late Rahab as a hardworking and jovial soul that did not deserve the kind of death she met. 

Mr. Mung’aro pledged to donate Sh2 million to a yet to be established kitty to enable Rahab’s husband Maxwell Mmera Ayera to take care of their two sons. County Staff, he said, would also contribute to the kitty so that the children could get the best life their mother wished them to have. 

Mr. Mung’aro, who led mourners in a tree planting exercise at Rahab’s father’s home in honour of Rahab’s passion for environmental conservation, also promised to install street lights at Kinarani Trading Centre, which the late Rahab had asked for at a recent event. 

Rahab’s uncle Kahindi Kaingu Rajisi, who spoke on behalf of the family, condemned the murder of her late brother’s daughter and prayed that the killer receives the punishment she deserves.

“The assailant robbed us of a very precious gem. May she not find peace here on earth,” Mr. Rajisi said, sentiments that were echoed by various other speakers, including area Member of County Assembly Edward Ziro, who said Rahab had a great vision for the ward. 

Deputy Governor Flora Chibule said the county government had lost a very valuable gem in Rahab and asked God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss. 

Rahab’s husband, brothers and cousins as well as county staff and alumni of Ribe Girls High School where she schooled, eulogized Rahab as a jovial, warm and industrious personality. 

Rahab’s remains will be laid to rest on Saturday at her husband’s home in Nandi County. 

Courtesy ; K. N. A