Lobby lauds arrest of seven men in viral gang rape video

Lobby also commends efforts of the Nyumba Kumi elders to help track the suspects

In Summary
  • CASV said the denounce the  horrific gang rape that took place in Bomet Village.

  •  CASV said it took efforts of both the local residents and the Bomet Police to apprehend the suspects. 

Illustration of sexual and gender-based violence.
LIFE OF DIGNITY: Illustration of sexual and gender-based violence.
Image: STAR ILLUSTRATED

A human rights lobby has lauded the efforts made in apprehending seven men from Bomet village alleged to have raped a girl in a video that went viral on social media. 

The Coalition Against Sexual Violence (CASV) said they denounce the horrific gang rape that took place in Bomet Village. 

CASV said it took efforts of both the residents and the Bomet police to apprehend the suspects. 

"We commend the swift action taken by Bomet police commander Robinson Ndiwa and local authorities in apprehending the suspects who are to be arraigned in court next week," the lobby said. 

The lobby also commended the efforts of the Nyumba Kumi elders who played a key role in identifying and helping to track the suspects.

"This speaks to the power of the community in preventing and responding to cases of sexual violence," CASV said. 

CASV said they were deeply dismayed by video when it started circulating on social media of seven individuals sexually violating a woman in Chebanyi Village, Chepalungu in Bomet County.

The lobby said the video reiterates a distressing pattern of sexual violence that continues to plague our society.

CASV said sexual violence in Kenya is deeply rooted in gendered inequalities and disproportionately affects women and girls.

"Despite acknowledgement of sexual violence as a human right violation in different laws and policies enacted in Kenya, survivors face many challenges in accessing justice," the lobby group said. 

CASV demanded swift and decisive action in bringing the perpetrators to justice, sending a strong message that sexual violence will not be tolerated.

The lobby said law enforcement agencies must follow through on their obligation to addressing the crimes by ensuring thorough investigation and effective follow-up.

"Similarly, we call upon the Judiciary to ensure it delivers justice impartially and swiftly in this and other cases," the lobby group said. 

CASV also called upon the government to prioritise the safety and well-being of women by honouring the Generation Equality Forum (GEF) commitment it made to end gender-based violence including sexual violence by 2026.

"There is a need to provide robust support for survivors to enable them to navigate and heal from these traumatic experiences. "

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