An SGBV survivor narrates her ordeal during an interview in Kwale - PERPETUA ETYANG
Cases of defilement and assault have inflicted immense suffering and trauma, often at the hands of trusted individuals’ friends, neighbours and service providers.
The stories of these survivors reveal a long and arduous journey towards justice. For many, the pursuit of justice is a heartbreaking test of endurance.
A grieving family in Kwale describes the pain of their nine-year-old daughter, Amina* (not her real name), who was defiled in 2023.
“Sometimes she sits alone and you can see that her mind is occupied and she’s thinking so much,” her relatives said, noting that even after counselling, the emotional scars remain fresh.
The incident happened during the Eid al-Hajj celebrations in 2023, when Amina was only seven years old.
According to her family, she was lured into a neighbour’s house by the suspect with a promise of gifts.
“The boy showed her Sh50 and a mango and told her that those were the gifts he wanted to give her, but first she had to remove her clothes, lay in bed and close her eyes,” her uncle recounted.
Her mother became alarmed when Amina’s friend returned home alone. Rushing to the neighbour’s house, she found her daughter crying as she walked out from the back door.
After being questioned, the child revealed what had happened. The family then took her for medical examination.
The doctor confirmed the case and advised that the perpetrator also undergo a health check. Before this could happen, he disappeared.
It took the family three months to track him down and hand him over to the police.
He was later charged in a Kwale court but released on a Sh40,000 bond.
What followed was a long and frustrating case that has dragged on for three years.
Witnesses, including the victim, her mother, the doctor and the investigating officer, testified. But progress stalled when the police officer failed to attend several hearings while on leave.
In early 2025, just as the case neared conclusion, the suspect requested a retrial.
The court rejected the plea, noting that defilement cases are supposed to conclude within six months.
He was placed in custody for 14 days but later escaped with the help of his uncle, who claimed he had given him money to buy painkillers.
Since then, the suspect has not been rearrested.
“I feel bad about it and a lot of money is being wasted going back and forth to the court for a hearing only to count it as a wasted day because the perpetrator has not been found and arrested,” the uncle said.
“The case is also taking too long. It has been three years now and still the perpetrator has not paid for what he did, and he's free roaming around. She feels sad and discouraged that justice has not been served and it’s being delayed,” he added.
To protect Amina during the hearings, the family relocated her and arranged safe transport to and from school.
But they say the lack of justice continues to take a toll on her.
As court dates keep piling up without resolution, the family is pleading with the authorities to intensify the search and bring the suspect to justice.
For them, justice delayed has become justice denied.
BEASTLY BARBER, NEIGHBOUR
The first time Ann* went to get her hair shaved, the barber told her he loved her.
Young and focused on her education, she told him firmly, “I’m still in school studying, and if you really love me, you will wait for me to finish.”
She thought that was the end of it. But a few days later, they met again.
“He took me to a mango plantation far from the road, where no one could hear or see us. He then took advantage of me and left,” she said.
Shaken, Ann went home and told her mother everything. With no money for a hospital visit, they spent the night in a terrifying silence.
The next morning, they reported the assault to Diani police station and then went to the hospital.
“I got tested and was given some medicine. The doctor then told me that the guy who had taken advantage of me had a sexually transmitted disease. I was given medicine and we went back home,” she said, her voice barely a whisper.
The police arrested the barber, and the case went to the Kwale law courts.
For Ann and her mother, attending the hearings became a struggle.
“My mother and I did not have the money to go to the court hearing every time. We used to go to the police station and would board the police car that would take us to the court,” she said.
Despite the hardship, Ann bravely testified against him.
“I gave my testimony, and I now hear that he was sentenced to jail. I fear walking around by myself since I don’t know whether the person is still in prison or if he was released from jail. Most of the time, I stay at home,” she said.
Her voice trembled with fear, but she remains hopeful for the future.
“I hope I get the justice I deserve and would wish that the guy is sentenced for a lifetime,” she said. I would also like to ask well-wishers to help in paying my school fees because it's a challenge for my mother to afford it.”
For 13-year-old Camilla*, an innocent favour turned into a nightmare.
She was home sick from school when a neighbour asked her to charge his phone. A frequent visitor, he had often watched football at their home. When she returned the phone, he revealed his true intentions.
"He told me he was interested in me and wanted to be with me. I turned him down and told him I was still young and he was older than me, so whatever he wanted should not happen,” she said.
Her rejection was met with a chilling threat. “He told me if I can’t be with him, he will kill me.”
Days later, on her way to class, he reappeared with a panga and forced her to follow him. He introduced her to his mother as his girlfriend.
That night she slept in his mother’s room, but the next evening he overpowered her.
"I argued with him and told him I was not his girlfriend. He took advantage of me,” she said.
She was later rescued by police. In court, she overcame fear and testified. Her courage led to his 20-year sentence.
"I was relieved and glad that justice had been served, but I am still afraid," she said.
JUSTICE MEETS COMPASSION
At Kombani patrol base in Kwale, police constable Joan Wanjiku’s day often begins with a knock of despair, a victim of defilement walking into the station seeking justice.
As the officer in charge of the gender desk, her role stretches far beyond the badge.
“I take the victim aside for interrogation to know what happened. After that, I book the report in the OB and issue a P3 form, which will be filled by a doctor,” she said.
Her duty does not stop at paperwork. Wanjiku personally escorts victims to the hospital for examination, ensures statements are recorded and connects them with a psychologist at Kombani Dispensary for counselling.
“I follow up on the case, arrest the perpetrator, interrogate them and prepare the file before taking it to court,” she said.
“Sometimes it’s challenging to follow up because victims and witnesses are afraid to testify in court.”
While some weeks pass without a single case, others see multiple reports of defilement. But securing justice remains a hurdle.
