Nairobi, Kenya, 20th August 2024—UTU WETU, a collective of human rights experts committed to advancing gender equality in Kenya, Africa, and globally, welcomes Dorcas Oduor’s appointment as the new Attorney General of Kenya. Her historic swearing-in as the first female Attorney General marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history.
As an organisation dedicated to ending sexual violence, we look forward to working with Attorney General Oduor to ensure that victims of sexual violence receive the reparations they deserve. Victims of Petition 122 of 2013, who were awarded compensation by the High Court for the government’s failure to protect them during the 2007 post-election violence, continue to wait for justice and their rightful compensation. The toll of this delay is immense, and we stand with these survivors in their pursuit of justice.
In December 2020, the High Court ruled in favour of four petitioners, awarding them KES 4 million each for the violation of their rights. Yet, the compensation remains undelivered. The remaining four survivors have filed an appeal, seeking accountability from the state for failing to protect them from sexual violence during the post-election period.
We are particularly encouraged by the potential of this new appointment to bring about changes in the pursuit of justice and accountability for gross violations of international human rights law. We look forward to collaborating with Attorney General Dorcas Oduor in her efforts to ensure that victims of sexual violence receive the reparations they need and deserve.
Yvonne Oyieke
Executive Director, Utu Wetu
For more information, please contact: Henix Obuchunju at 0707262110