I was asked to attend a trial that involves some dickhead 55 year old (most people here consider him an old man) who anally and vaginally raped a 3 1/2 year old and they let him out on ba il and postponed the trial till April. Lovely that he works at a private school as a gardener. The guy is an ex Navy/Air Force officer. I wonder why he wants to garden when he could easily be living off his pension. Anyway, we were all over town in disgusting matatu's trying to figure out why the case was postponed and it turned out the school was trying to pay off the police because they were afraid of their reputation. The little girl told her mom that one of the teachers (a sister no less) cleaned off the blood from her broken hymen and sent her home like that without calling the hospital or anything. During our mission we met with the head prosecutor at the state council's office who said he couldn't understand why a man would do that when there are women all over he could have had sex with (meaning the prostitutes) and he mentioned that it can't be the money because they are fairly cheap. I had to inform this moron of the reason. Then when he was informed that his own police officers rape and abuse the sex workers when they are caught his question was not why or let's look into this but why don't they use a condom when they know how risky sex work is?
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Sounds like children, girls, and women are viewed and treated like objects for men to use and abuse. It is unjust and horrible. Let's hope it does not take the Mombasa society 200 years to change their ways.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you are helping shine a large spotlight on those biped roaches -- there should be nowhere for them to hide.
ReplyDeleteHopefully the community will realize that protecting their own is worth the risk of repercussions from the powerful.
Habari Dada!!! I just today got the link to your blog and you are doing a fantastic job of sharing your experience. It's great to see you IN it!! I'm really excited for you...
ReplyDeleteI love your observations, and you are truly fortunate to be in the living/family conditions to which you've been assigned. I'm happy for you since basic needs being met frees up your mind and energies for the work you're there to do.
This post is a good window into the world of development, and perhaps a bit of an explanation as to why, after billions have been spent, there is still so much work to be done. Changing attitudes, mindsets and behaviors isn't for sissies!
Keep it up...Kwaheri!!!
Taya
Reading your blog was eye opening. Brings back memories of the poverty I saw in Russia, Fiji, Honduras - but even that was 5 star living compared to what many Kenyans experience. You are a change agent for real people with real problems, and you will certainly make a difference in these people's lives. Hearing about the awful conditions there and cruel treatment of women reminds us all how lucky we are to have what we have...
ReplyDeleteOn the lighter side, how funny they drink instant coffee in Kenya - where the good Kenyan coffee comes from! Same thing happened to us in Jamaica - if you ask for decaf, they hand you a packet of instant Nescafe and a mug of hot water - in the very country where Blue Mountain coffee comes from!
Your pictures are amazing, and I'm so glad you're in a comfortable home with nice people. I'm really looking forward to hearing more about your experiences. I'm truly moved by what you are doing there which shows real courage and commitment - you are an inspiration to all of us!