This archive report was first published on 30 August 2019.
August 30, 2019, Nairobi — The brutal murder of a six-week-old baby has sparked a quest for justice in Kenya, with DNA analysis playing a crucial role in identifying the perpetrator.
According to detectives, the baby's vaginal fluids, collected as evidence, will be matched with DNA samples from suspects to determine the main culprit.
"Every action has a trace," said Pamela Okello, a Crime Laboratory Analyst at the Government Chemist, expressing optimism about the team unraveling the mystery behind the baby's murder and defilement.
The Government Chemist has acquired a state-of-the-art 3500XL Genetic Analyzer, which will significantly expedite the analysis of DNA samples, allowing for the clearance of a substantial number of cases.
Government Chemist Ali Gakwele emphasized the importance of the new equipment, stating that it will enable the creation of a DNA data bank in partnership with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
With the DNA data bank, serial criminals will be easily caught, and justice will be served more quickly, as bloodstains or human fluids in crime scenes can be easily flagged and analyzed.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi commended the acquisition of the machine, stating that it is a significant step towards resolving sensitive murder cases in the country.
