Mothers’ tale: The story of children born of rape

In one of Kenya’s darkest hours during the 2007-2008 post-election violence, some women were sexually assaulted, resulting in unwanted conception.

The children are now a daily reminder of what transpired on the fateful nights during an operation to quell conflict in Mt. Elgon.

“Just like that, they pushed me into the house. One stepped on my chest as others raped me. They finished and just left me there,” Everlyne Tamnai, a victim, says.

Everlyne Tamnai, one of the rape victims.

The unwanted pregnancies brought about pain, split families, destroyed peace in homes and wrecked marriages.

“My husband was away in prison in Bungoma, only for him to come and find me pregnant. Until now I have no peace in my marriage,” Everlyne adds.

Abortion was no option as it was risky and a taboo. Suicidal thoughts reigned in their minds, but they still had to give birth to the children they did not want.

Gertrude Andiema, a rape victim fro Mt. Elgon.

Another rape victim, Maria, says there was no joy in delivering the baby. “I don’t think I will ever love this child because if I do, it will mean I liked the rape.”

Others still were infected with HIV/Aids.

“I felt like committing suicide because I had been tested positive for HIV,” says Triza.

A 10-year-old boy born as a result of rape. [Photo: Courtesy]

The innocent children born as a result of rape remain in the dark, unaware of what transpired when they were conceived.

Watch the full story on KTN News on Thursday (December 13, 2018) at 7.30pm and 10pm with Zubeida Kananu and Dr. Mercy Korir.