Kenya: Justice for Liz campaign under way

A number of individual activists, women’s and human rights organizations have come together for collective action to continue making demands and put pressure for the realization of justice for Liz. The Coalition on Violence Against Women (COVAW) and others are concerned about the escalating numbers of sexual offences in the country and incensed by non-action by the police.

The group of organizations and individuals have decided to have mass action on Thursday this week, 31st October 2013. The group is calling for members of public to join us at 8.00am at Freedom Corner, Uhuru Park and thereafter participate in a procession through the city beginning 8 am. COVAW in conjunction with the African Communication and Development Network (FEMNET) and Avaaz.org shall be presenting the petition signatures to the Inspector General of Police at his office. COVAW will contact the Inspector General of Police to ensure his audience. We shall hang a string of panties around the fence and hold up placards with our demands and key messages regarding our cause.

The organizations have resulted to a radical measure to call for the attention of the State and the need for the State to ensure action in addressing rape and specifically amplify the call for arrest of perpetrators of the gang rape of 16 year old Liz from Busia.

We are making the following demands:

That the Director of Public Prosecutions takes immediate action on this case, and carry out timely and effective investigations and prosecution of other sexual and gender based crimes;

That the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate unjust action of the police officers’ conduct and recommend punitive measures;
That the Inspector General and Ombudsperson implement recommendations by the IPOA including punitive measures on the police handling the case –

That the Office of the Ombudsperson to ensure that justice is done for Liz and other victims/survivors of sexual and gender based violence.

We call for IPOA and Chief Justice Dr. Willy Mutunga to put in place sexual and gender based violence indicators on investigations and prosecution of such crimes for police and the judiciary; particularly in light of increasing levels of sexual violence against women. This is targeted at the so that it trickles down to Magistrates and Ministry of Devolution in charge of gender.

We are outraged that even with the sexual offences Act, its implementation and enforcement falls short of the expectations of Kenyan women. It is important that mechanisms are put in place to ensure protection and response on matters of sexual and gender based violence. To that end we demand that ALL hospitals be adequately equipped with victim support units that provide free, high quality services.

The Police must treat sexual and gender based violence cases as criminal offenses and with the seriousness and sensitivity they deserve irrespective of the socio-economic status of the survivor or victim. We condemn the actions of the rapists in the strongest terms and reiterate the need to arrest them. We are incensed that the police see no need to protect women and girls as per the law and to address all forms of gender based violence as important crimes that merit quick action to ensure access to justice for victims.

THIS KIND OF IMPUNITY ON SEXUAL CRIMES MUST END!

Sign online petition.

For more information contact:

Saida Ali, Executive Director Coalition on Violence Against Women Tel: +254-20-8040000/1 / 722 594794/ 733 594794 Email: [email protected] / [email protected]