Source: The Star
The Attorney General and Director of Public Prosecution have opposed a case by eight women who are allegedly survivors of sexual violence committed in the wake of the 2007 general election.

In their separate responses filed at the High Court, AG Githu Muigai and DPP Keriako Tobiko say the petition is premised on generalities of exertions and does not specify factual happenings.

The women have sued the government over its failure to protect them from the crimes committed against them during the 2007-08 post-election violence.

They have also sued the state for failing to launch investigations to ensure perpetrators can be brought to book. Yesterday, judge Isaac Lenaola summoned three senior doctors to testify in the matter.

The judge summoned the senior medical superintendent at the Mbagathi District Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital doctors Elizabeth Nikisa and Triza Njore, after the victim's lawyer Kethi Kilonzo sought for the order.

Kethi says women and children were attacked and assaulted in their homes and while seeking refuge in informal camps, schools and other public sites. She says the government was obligated to protect the women.

Kethi says the constitution compels the government to provide services such as counseling, treatment and protection to victims of sexual violence.

The AG says many victims sought refuge and were offered protection and those who needed medical attention were attended to.

The DPP says the petitioners have never made any report to any police station and their names do not appear among the 381 sexual offences reported and investigated. The matter came up for hearing yesterday but was postponed to March 25.

• Kenya