GF-KRCS Project Fighting for Justice for Vulnerable Populations in Kericho County.

In the hills of Kedowa, Ndarugu area in Kericho County, a humble
homestead stands as a symbol of resilience amidst adversity. Here, a
modest two-roomed mud house with a leaky roof provides shelter, and its
weathered walls are a testament to the challenges of poverty. Within
resides Stephen Kirui, whose determination to persevere despite a
debilitating medical condition is evident in every measured step he takes
with the support of a cane. Steve somberly recounts the tragic ordeal of his
daughter’s encounter with a human predator.

At dawn, Stephen’s six-year-old daughter, Damaris, started her journey to
school. She spent the day learning with hope for a brighter future. However,
when the time came for her return home, what should have been a brief
journey stretched into hours of anxious waiting for her worried father. As
the sun began its descent, she finally arrived. Stephen offered her food,
which she accepted gratefully before heading out to play with her friends,
leaving her father alone in the house, unaware of the turmoil lurking just
beyond their doorstep. It was not until her mother returned from her
manual labor, that the daughter revealed the extent of her pain, casting a
shadow of concern over the household.

It is worrying that cases of defilement, particularly among young girls from
underprivileged backgrounds, are often limited in their access to justice.
This problem is fueled by poverty, which makes it hard for these vulnerable
individuals to seek legal assistance. Financial constraints also create
significant obstacles for families seeking justice, which allows perpetrators
to escape accountability and justice to remain elusive.

Figure: Jausiku a pro bono lawyer working in Kericho County

“Here in Kericho County, the challenges that vulnerable populations face include; stigma and discrimination, property being taken from them, especially from widows and those living with HIV and AIDS, and orphans as a result of HIV and AIDS,” remarks Jausiku, a pro bono lawyer working with vulnerable populations.

Healthcare For Generations(HFG) with funding from the Global Fund (GF)
through Kenya Red Cross Society (KRSC) has recognized the complex
situation of marginalization in Kericho County. They have provided
essential paralegal services and facilitated access to pro bono legal
representation for the marginalized members of society.
After the mother examined her young girl, Stephen suggested utilizing
the wages, she had earned from her day’s labor to seek medical
attention. A health practitioner confirmed the severity of the situation,
prompting a call to Margaret, a paralegal at the Londiani Subcounty
Hospital.

The collaborative efforts of Margaret, the Kedowa area chief, law
enforcement, and the justice department led to remarkable success in
the case of Damaris. The young girl was immediately taken to Londiani
Subcounty Hospital for medical examinations, which confirmed the
heinous act of defilement. With the invaluable support of the area chief
and the diligent work of the police, charges were promptly pressed
against the perpetrator. Justice prevailed, as he was arraigned in court
and ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment. Astonishingly, this entire
process unfolded in a short period of three months, underscoring the
effectiveness of coordinated action in combating such crimes.

“We have been able to follow up 20 cases with a conviction of 10
of them and others are active in court and we are following up
with them,” underscoring the tangible impact of the project’s
advocacy and legal support for these marginalized communities.
Stephen expressed his profound gratitude to HFG, KRCS and GF for the
invaluable assistance in ensuring that his daughter had access to justice
without financial burden. “Without their support, I don’t think I
would have made any headway in getting justice for my child. I am
very grateful,” said Stephen Kirui.

The initiative’s support for his daughter’s journey to justice has left a
lasting impression on Stephen. His heartfelt appreciation underscores
the transformative impact of the Global Fund Project and serves as a
moving reminder of the urgent need to expand its reach. More
marginalized communities that are in dire need of legal assistance and
support should be included.