This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Failed Justice: Women's Harrowing Tales of Abuse and Neglect ¶
Published on July 2, 2020, two women took to social media to share their painful experiences of seeking justice for their loved ones who suffered abuse and neglect.
One woman narrated the harrowing suffering her mother endured at the hands of her husband, who eventually died. The daughter recounted how her stepfather would assault her mother, including numerous visits to the hospital and police stations.
She wrote, 'I have never been one to pen my heart out but my heart is beyond crushed … a lot of times rattled with anger and helplessness. I can’t get any justice for my mom but I can at least be honest about what we all went through.'
She added that the tears and trauma she went through were quite the opposite of what anyone would see, and that she will never get to see her mother again. The deceased suffered orbital fractures and had strangled marks, according to medical records.
Another woman shared her experience of seeking justice for her daughter, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a relative in Karen in May. She reported the incident at Athi River Police Station, but was referred to Karen police station, where she was issued with a police medical examination form (P3) and the victim was examined at the Nairobi Women’s Hospital, Kitengela branch.
Despite her efforts, she was not helped, prompting her to write to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) on June 10. Her daughter was raped by a cousin and his friends, and was also physically assaulted by her aunt.
These cases highlight police inaction and systemic failures, with reports indicating that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), Internal Affairs Unit (IAU), and other bodies are currently handling thousands of complaints.
