Woman’s swollen stomach a reminder of rape by police

• Military operation to flush out militias in Mt Elgon still haunts residents to date

As Mt Elgon residents celebrate the return of peace and subsequent revival of the economy following a joint military operation to dismantle a militia group, others are mourning atrocities meted against them by some of the security personnel.

Thousands of the displaced families are engaged in meaningful economic activities back on their farms—thanks to joint military operation “Okoa Maisha” that led to dismantling of Sabaot Land Defence Force (SLDF) after two years of terror amongst the area residents.

Many of those who fled the area due to fear of the outlawed militia group have returned as the military and police continue to keep vigil and ensure that law and order is maintained in the area.

But for Grace (not her real name), she has no reason to rejoice due to the suffering she underwent during the operation to flush out members of the outlawed militia group.

Her tribulations started when she was rendered landless after several families were evicted from the controversial Chebyuk settlement scheme.

The eviction led to emergence of the militia group that was targeted by the joint security team for various offences ranging from murder to robbery with violence.

Double tragedy

However, a double tragedy hit Grace, after she was allegedly tortured and raped by some police officers on patrol. They accosted her as she came from the controversial scheme where she had gone to harvest vegetables in the company of other women.

Her situation has since turned from bad to worse as misfortunes continue to haunt her.

“I had to go back and harvest some of the vegetables that I had planted in the scheme after obtaining permission from the local provincial administration. Little did I know that fate was against me,” said the distraught mother.

When the Daily Nation visited her at their Masahek village home in Kopsiro division, her face told it all. The anguish she has suffered in the past two years is immense but she is not about to give up. Her stomach is swollen and she looks like a woman who is in final stages of pregnancy.

According to Grace, she was raped by two policemen for trespassing on the controversial land.

“My health has continued to deteriorate following the rape ordeal. I have been in and out of hospital but the situation seems not to improve,” narrated Grace, one of her hands massaging the protruding stomach.

She disclosed that the incident occurred on June 26, 2008 during the height of the military operation.

Her plight was brought to the limelight by Rural Women Peace Link, a non-governmental organisation, following outcry by local residents over mistreatment by security personnel during the operation.