GANGS raped women and children during the post-election violence, the Commission Investigating Post-Election Violence heard yesterday. In three different submissions made by groups fighting gender based violence, the commission heard that rowdy youths, some General Service Unit (GSU) personnel and some crooked policemen committed sexual crimes.
The speakers noted that since the violence began on December 27, the Nairobi Women’s Hospital reported an increase in the number of women and children seeking treatment for rape, indecent assault, physical assault and domestic violence. Federation of Women Lawyers Executive Director Jane Onyango said 337 women, 275 children and 44 men sought treatment at Nairobi Women’s Hospital over sexual assault.
She added that sexual violence was being used as a tool to terrorise families and individuals and precipitate their expulsion from areas they lived in. CARE International Programme Manager Millicent Obaso said most survivors of sexual abuse did not get the care they needed due to the gravity of the violence. “Even in peaceful times, Kenyan women – like most women around the world — may not report sexual violence out of fear, stigma, and shame.
Some even risk being disowned by their families or communities if they speak out,’ said Obaso. The official said a survey of 40 people who suffered sexual abuse and gender-based violence indicated that 76 per cent of the cases took place in homes. The Centre for Rights Education and Awareness Programme Manager Gachanja Wahira said displaced women and girls were at a risk of sexual exploitation due to poverty.
In a video footage adduced as evidence, Wachira said displaced women were likely to engage in sex in exchange for essential resources. National Commission on Gender and Development Chairperson Regina Karega called for interdiction of police officers who engaged in sexual crimes.
She also said all sexual crimes must be investigated and perpetrators punished. Karega added that on February 25, United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon launched a multi-year campaign to intensify campaign to end violence against women.
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Date: Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:28:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: Judy Miriga
Subject: Gender groups tell Waki team police raped women during poll violence