A police officer prods a woman during NASA protests in Nairobi, November 28, 2017. [Photo/Reuters]A Human Rights Watch (HRW) report has said that Police perpetrated and covered up rape incidents during post-election protests.
The report dubbed 'They Were Men in Uniform: Sexual Violence against Women and Girls in Kenya's 2017 Election' includes accounts from 71 rape victims, 68 female and three male.
In addition, HRW spoke to 12 Kenyan and international civil society activists and community volunteers who were providing services to victims.
"Almost all women and girls we spoke to suffered physical harm and profound mental trauma and feared that their attackers may never be held accountable," said Agnes Odhiambo, senior women's rights researcher, the Star quotes.
She said the women and girls interviewed described brutal gang rapes involving two or more attackers.
"Many said that they were raped vaginally and anally, that they were penetrated with objects, or that dirt was inserted into their private parts. Some were raped in the presence of family members, including young children," the report released on Thursday says.
HRW faulted the government for failing to prevent election-related sexual violence, properly investigate cases and hold attackers responsible.
The rights body also said the government did not ensure survivors had access to comprehensive, quality and timely post-rape care.Odhiambo said victims did not report to police due to lack of confidence in the service and to avoid stigma.