On Friday, February 28, 2025, the streets of Kibra echoed with chants of strength, hope, and unwavering resolve. Survivors of sexual violence, human rights advocates, civil society actors, and residents united for an advocacy march demanding justice and reparations for victims of election-related sexual violence (ERSV).
The event, spearheaded by UTU WETU in partnership with Grace Agenda and the Feminists for Peace, Rights and Justice Centre, served as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for justice, particularly for women and children who have borne the brunt of electoral violence.
Long regarded as a hub of activism and resilience, Kibra has experienced repeated cycles of post-election chaos. Despite the promises made in the Kenya National Dialogue and Reconciliation Agreement, signed 17 years ago to deliver justice and reparations to victims of the 2007/08 post-election crisis, most pledges remain unfulfilled. The march served as a renewed call to action, demanding accountability for survivors, recognition of children born from acts of sexual violence, and an end to the culture of impunity.
The procession began in Katwekera Village, where participants were provided with branded t-shirts, caps, whistles, and placards bearing the message: “Kila story ya survivor ni unique na ina matter” (Every survivor’s story is unique and matters). As they moved through Olympic and onto Koyaro Centre, survivors, allies, and government representatives engaged the public with calls for justice, compensation, and robust protection mechanisms against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
During the march, UTU WETU also shared a Swahili-translated report from the Global Survivors Fund with survivors, making key findings and recommendations accessible to the grassroots community. The report emphasized the importance of reparations and survivor-centered justice.
