Women in Kenya’s Mt Elgon region are grappling with the resurgence of trauma as political campaigns intensify, with some survivors of election-related sexual violence considering relocation to Uganda to escape potential violence ahead of the 2027 polls. The fears are rooted in past cycles of violence, including the 2007 and 2017 elections, when armed groups and political actors targeted women, leaving lasting psychological and physical scars.
Martha, a survivor from Cheptais in Bungoma County, recalls the 2007 election period as the day her life changed. At 18, she lost her husband to the Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF), an armed group active in the region from 2005 to 2008. His head was reportedly severed, leaving her with a one-year-old daughter and a life of hardship. That same year, she was gang-raped by SLDF members after her husband’s death, an ordeal she describes as “fresh” and unhealed even a decade later.
The 2017 election campaigns reignited her trauma. Martha, now 34, says she was raped again by political supporters during a period of heightened tensions. “When you talk about politicians and campaigns, I don’t feel my body,” she said. Despite receiving trauma counseling through a local community organization, she struggles with daily reminders of the violence, including the lingering smell of her attackers. “I just want to find money to move to Uganda,” she said, adding that she plans to return only after the 2027 elections.
Christine, another survivor, was pregnant with her third child during the 2017 violence. She was also gang-raped by men she knew, though she refrained from reporting the assault due to fear of retaliation. Her husband was killed during the same period, leaving her to raise three children alone. “I don’t understand how women are pulled into the political differences of those people called politicians,” she said. Her fears have resurfaced as another election approaches, prompting her to consider fleeing to Uganda if she deems her family unsafe.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) documented 123 cases of sexual and gender-based violence between April 2017 and March 2018, a period marked by intense political contestation and civil unrest. Bungoma County, including areas like Kapsokwony and Cheptais, was among the hardest hit. Survivors like Martha and Christine are part of a broader pattern of violence that has persisted despite efforts to address it.
Norah, a community advocate who survived rape in 2007, has dedicated years to supporting survivors in Mt Elgon. After returning from Nairobi, where she received counseling, she launched a community-based organization in 2017. By 2023, the group had established 13 local chapters, providing survivors with spaces to share their stories and access support. “When you are alone, you feel like the world has come to an end,” Norah said. “When you talk, it helps.”
The organization also assists survivors in rebuilding their lives, including skill-building and financial support. However, many face challenges, such as raising children from rape with limited resources or enduring strained marriages. Norah noted that only 36 of over 500 survivors registered for compensation through the Panel of Experts on Compensation for Victims of Demonstrations and Public Protests, as most lacked required documentation like police reports or hospital records.
Anne Wang’ombe, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action, emphasized the government’s efforts to combat election-related violence. She highlighted a collaboration with Spain to train police officers in responding to gender-based violence and urged political parties to avoid rhetoric that could incite conflict. “We need everyone, including faith leaders,” she said, stressing the importance of collective action to prevent violence in future elections.
Survivors like Martha and Christine remain skeptical about the effectiveness of these measures. Martha described the 2017 violence as a “nightmare” that has left her physically and emotionally drained. “We were always tired, dizzy, and had headaches,” she said, recalling the period when she and other survivors sought refuge in a shared home. “I don’t want to go through that again.”
The psychological toll of the violence is profound. Christine, who still reacts strongly to political names like “Sifuna” and “Gachagua,” said therapy has not fully addressed her trauma. “I don’t know what to do to get over this,” she admitted. Both women expressed frustration with the lack of accountability for their attackers, a recurring issue in cases of election-related violence.
Community efforts, while vital, face systemic challenges. Norah noted that many survivors lack the documentation needed to access legal redress, highlighting gaps in the justice system. “It’s not just about healing; it’s about ensuring survivors can rebuild their lives without fear,” she said. The KNCHR’s data underscores the scale of the problem, but implementation of support mechanisms remains inconsistent.
Political tensions in Mt Elgon continue to fuel fears. The region, historically prone to ethnic and political clashes, has seen violence escalate during election cycles. Local leaders and activists warn that without robust safeguards, the 2027 polls could bring another wave of trauma for women. “The cycle must break,” said Norah, advocating for stronger protections and accountability.
Government officials and civil society organizations are working to address the crisis, but survivors like Martha and Christine remain cautious. “We want to move to Uganda,” Martha said, echoing the desperation of many in the community. “I’ll return when the elections are over.” Their stories highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to prevent the recurrence of violence.
The situation in Mt Elgon reflects broader challenges in Kenya’s electoral landscape, where gender-based violence remains a persistent issue. While initiatives like the Spain-funded police training and community advocacy offer hope, the experiences of survivors underscore the deep-rooted nature of the problem. As the 2027 elections approach, the region’s women face a precarious future, caught between the trauma of the past and the uncertainty of the present.
Efforts to support survivors are ongoing, but the lack of systemic change leaves many in limbo. Norah’s organization continues to provide critical services, yet the broader political and social structures that enable such violence remain unaddressed. “We need more than just talk,” she said. “We need action.”
The plight of Mt Elgon’s women serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of political conflict. Their resilience in the face of trauma is remarkable, but their struggles also highlight the urgent need for accountability, justice, and long-term solutions to prevent future violence. As the region braces for another election cycle, the question remains: will the cycle of trauma finally be broken?
The voices of Martha, Christine, and countless others demand attention. Their experiences are not isolated incidents but part of a systemic pattern that requires sustained commitment from all sectors of society. Until then, the fear of violence lingers, casting a long shadow over the lives of those who have already suffered too much.