This archive report was first published on 6 June 2020.
Kenya's coastal region has seen a disturbing rise in gender-based violence cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the lockdown measures exacerbating the situation.
According to a recent human rights report, the curfews and cessation of movement have left victims isolated and unable to seek help or report cases to authorities in neighboring counties.
"It would appear that the cessation of movement and the stay at home has made the female gender to bear the brunt of the closed society," said Hussein Khalid, executive director of HAKI Africa, during the unveiling of the human rights report in March 2020.
Mr. Khalid noted that husbands have become increasingly violent towards their wives, while some women have also turned on their children and domestic workers.
He highlighted the case of an eight-year-old girl who went missing and was later found killed and dumped in a water hole in Bamba, Kilifi County, emphasizing the need to recognize the importance of children in society.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has acknowledged receiving the status report and has commenced investigations into the cases reported to their coast regional office.
Coast region coordinator Rashid Wekesa assured that those found culpable will be prosecuted, and pledged to maintain a good working relationship with civil society organizations, including HAKI Africa.
