Sex workers in Thika town are accusing the police of harassment terming it a violation of their human rights.
Speaking on Tuesday in Thika town, WAPATE Initiative acting director Jane Mburu castigated the police for alleged brutality against sex workers.
WAPATE Initiative is an NGO advocating for the well-being of sex workers.
Mburu urged the society to accept reformed sex workers and facilitate their integration into society.
“It’s a pity that many people up to now despise sex workers and discriminate them even after reforming and starting up their own businesses,’ Mburu said.
She alleged people boycott buying from businesses operated by reformed sex workers.
She decried that majority of reformed sex workers opt going back to the trade after being shunned by the society.
Mburu said they set up WAPATE Initiative clinic in Thika town, for both female and male sex workers, where reformed sex workers and peer educators are committed to ensuring sex workers access HIV/AIDS healthcare services, protection, and promotion of their human rights.
“The peer educators’ immediate response strategy is towards reducing the rampant violation of sex workers’ rights perpetrated by law enforcement agencies, the public, and healthcare workers,” Mburu said.