Raped girl on way to recovery, say doctors

What you need to know:

  • Dr Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist who has been treating the 16-year old girl for depression and post-traumatic stress, said she was responding well
  • The suspects, who were freed after being made to slash grass in the compound have since vanished

Doctors treating a Busia primary school girl raped and violently attacked by a group of youths in June say they are happy with her progress.

The teenager, who is now confined to a wheel-chair underwent surgery on Saturday, and is recovering at the Gynocare Fistula Centre in Eldoret. (READ: Girl raped by gang, thrown in latrine cries for justice 3 months on)

The doctors said it might take weeks before the Standard Seven girl is able to walk.

“We are very hopeful that Liz will make full recovery and be able to walk again. She is progressing well after the surgery,’’ Dr Hillary Mabeya said.

Dr Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist who has been treating the 16-year old girl for depression and post-traumatic stress, said she was responding well.

“We started her on treatment for depression and I am confident she will be okay. It is only a matter of weeks,” Dr Atwoli, a senior lecturer at Moi University School of Medicine, said. (READ: Stand up for Liz: Raped girl undergoes surgery)

The pupil was attacked on the night of June 26 as she walked home after her a grandfather’s burial in Tingolo Village, Butula.

Her attackers beat her up, raped her in turns and dumped her in a pit latrine to conceal their crime. The attack was reported the following morning at the Tingolo AP Camp by villagers who also arrested three suspects.

SUSPECTS VANISHED

The officer on duty recorded it as an assault. The suspects, who were freed after being made to slash grass in the compound have since vanished.

The attack left the girl with an injured spine and obstetric fistula, which leaves a woman with a leaky bladder a uncontrolled bowel movement.

The Nation reported her plight in DN2 on October 8. (READ: Brave Busia girl battles as her rapists go scot free)

Busia police on Monday said investigations were complete and findings forwarded to the Director of Criminal Investigations.

Kenyans have responded overwhelmingly to the Stand with Liz. And help her walk again campaign the Nation Media Group launched to ensure treatment and justice for the teenager.

NMG has also offered to meet the girl’s medical expenses estimated at Sh600,000. Well-wishers can donate to Liz’s medical fund via Mpesa paybill number 500944, account 161616.