Nairobi — Kenyan security forces raped, beat and assaulted civilians during violence in recent elections, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Thursday. "There was widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and sexual attacks on men," HRW said, in a report titled, "They were men in uniform". The violence, documented during Kenya’s election in August by HRW and other rights groups, recorded "police use of excessive force against protesters, killings, beatings and maiming of individuals, looting and destruction of property". The report was based on interviews with 65 women, three girls and three men who were sexually attacked. About half of rapes reported to HRW were gang rapes. "About half the women interviewed said they were raped by policemen or men in uniform," the report read, adding that many attacks were also accompanied by torture and violence against the women’s children and husbands. At least 58 people have died during violent clashes since the August vote, which split ...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.