KILIFI, County—A family in Kilifi County is demanding justice after their eight-year-old daughter was found dead a day after she went missing from home in a case that has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over child safety.

The minor, Bernadette Keziah Matuki, a Grade Two pupil at Little Angels Academy, went missing on Sunday evening from the Mwenzagombe Bofa area while playing near her home.

According to her mother, Faith Namwezi, the child disappeared at around 5:30 pm, prompting a search by family members and residents.

Her body was later discovered dumped along a roadside near St. Patrick in the Mkoroshoni area the following day.

Preliminary reports indicate she had sustained injuries, and her body was taken to Kilifi Hospital for postmortem examination as police launched investigations.

The killing has triggered outrage across Kilifi County, with leaders and civil society organisations demanding swift action.

Kilifi woman representative aspirant for the 2027 General Election, Fatuma Ramadhan, condemned the incident, calling it a “grave injustice” and urging urgent, transparent investigations.

“This is a painful reminder that our children are not safe enough,” she said, calling for accountability and protection of children.

Through the Dada Yangu Organisation, Fatum also condemned the killing, urging stronger child protection systems and firm action against gender-based violence.

Similar sentiments were echoed by She Rises Organisation Executive Director Salma Hemed and Fimbo Youth Initiative Director Mvera Kazungu, who called for immediate action and justice for the victim.

Police have launched investigations into the incident as pressure mounts for justice.