• In addition to training police, rights groups have put in place election monitors countrywide to help keep an eye on rights violations.
• A 2018 study by the Kenya Human Rights Commission revealed that police officers were linked to sexual gender-based violence.
Image: NPS
The UN women's rights agency has assured Kenyans of swift and correct police response to gender-based violence.
The agency said it has been working with the Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights to train police officers countrywide.
“More than 140 commanders and 600 police officers have received training on election security preparedness, including prevention and response to gender-based violence,” UN Women said on Tuesday.
They said it is vital to train officers to respond to electoral violence, especially sexual and GBV, so it is dealt with correctly, without human rights violations and justice is served.
Police officers have been found to deal with rioting Kenyans in inhumane ways.
A 2018 study by the Kenya Human Rights Commission revealed that police officers were linked to sexual gender-based violence in the study areas of Kisumu, Migori and Vihiga.
These are areas perceived to be opposition strongholds during the 2017 electioneering period, where riots broke out after then opposition leader Raila Odinga lost the election.
“Rape was the most common form of violence meted out to people, especially from poor backgrounds. The main perpetrators were gang rapes by police officers during security crackdowns and protests,” the study read.
Rights groups have been calling for the proper training of police officers to prevent such violence during the August 9 polls.
Every general election, Kenya has an Election Security Arrangement Programme manual for law enforcement.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the National Police Service launched the 2022 Manual in April.
Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji said the manual aims to enhance vigilance and effectiveness and prevent security breaches and irregularities.
UN Women said this year, the Italian government is adding a section to the manual to also address human rights violations and gender-based violence.
In addition to training the National Police Service, rights groups have also put in place election monitors across the country, to help keep any perpetrator of sexual or gender-based violence accountable.
(Edited by Bilha Makokha)