People hurt during Kenya's election violence years ago feel let down again. The court promised them answers today, but pushed back their case. This marks another delay after they already waited for news on April 11. These victims have fought for justice for more than 12 years in the courts. Groups working with them call this "another dark day" after 17 years since the attacks happened.
The case began when eight survivors filed claims in 2013. Six women and two men suffered terrible sexual attacks during fights after the 2007 election. Police officers reportedly attacked three women. Civilian attackers hurt three other women. The male victims were boys when armed groups forced them into circumcision during that violent period.
Many organizations support these survivors in court. In 2020, judges awarded four victims about Sh4 million each because police hurt them or officials failed to investigate their cases. The court dismissed claims from four others because civilians attacked them or they lacked police reports.
The appeal needs to answer whether victims deserve help if they couldn't report crimes during that chaotic time. Many couldn't file reports because police stations closed, they moved away, or felt ashamed. The higher court must also decide if Kenya should create programs to help all victims from that period. Every delay keeps these people waiting longer for answers.
The case began when eight survivors filed claims in 2013. Six women and two men suffered terrible sexual attacks during fights after the 2007 election. Police officers reportedly attacked three women. Civilian attackers hurt three other women. The male victims were boys when armed groups forced them into circumcision during that violent period.
Many organizations support these survivors in court. In 2020, judges awarded four victims about Sh4 million each because police hurt them or officials failed to investigate their cases. The court dismissed claims from four others because civilians attacked them or they lacked police reports.
The appeal needs to answer whether victims deserve help if they couldn't report crimes during that chaotic time. Many couldn't file reports because police stations closed, they moved away, or felt ashamed. The higher court must also decide if Kenya should create programs to help all victims from that period. Every delay keeps these people waiting longer for answers.
