Stories of Change: Towards a future free of torture through concrete action in Kenya

Kenya has witnessed many instances of torture, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial executions, and systemic human rights abuses. Fighting against these injustices are organisations such as IMLU, which has been at the forefront of advocating for a society free from torture since 1993. Despite the challenging socio-political and economic context, IMLU has achieved remarkable change in the lives and rights of Kenyans.

The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) is a leading Kenyan human rights organisation working at the intersection of health, governance, and human rights. Its mission is clear: to prevent and respond to torture and related violations. Through advocacy, healing, and accountability, IMLU restores dignity, strengthens justice systems, and builds a future free of torture—a future where human rights are upheld.

A Society Free from Torture Begins with Accountability

For over 30 years, IMLU has supported more than 6,000 survivors of torture. In the past year alone, IMLU supported 164 survivors with medical care, provided psychosocial rehabilitation for 256, and offered legal aid to 278 people. These achievements are made possible by dedicated staff, international support, and a group of 300 volunteer professionals, including doctors, trauma counsellors, lawyers, and journalists, who work tirelessly.

IMLU’s collaboration with national, regional, and international human rights mechanisms strengthens both its advocacy and its ability to respond to new challenges. Below are two concrete stories showing how IMLU is using its survivor-centred approach to bring about a society where justice, dignity, and human rights are at the core.

Healing Behind Bars

On June 12, 2025, Shimo la Tewa Women’s Prison opened its gates to a different kind of visitor. IMLU’s team of doctors, nurses, counsellors, and lawyers came not to punish, but to heal. For one day, the prison became a space of care, justice, and hope.

78 women, seven officers, and five children received medical attention for skin infections, hypertension, and untreated mental health conditions. 20 women shared their stories of trauma and suicidal thoughts with counsellors, while 21 women, previously without legal representation, finally had lawyers to guide them.

Photo: IMLU Technical Lead Fatuma Kuyeya and Executive Director Wangechi Kahuria handing over medical supplies and children’s clothes to Shimo La Tewa Prison administrators. Photo by Simon Malenya.

Discussions with prison authorities addressed officer stress, children growing up behind bars, and shortages of basic supplies, leading to a shared commitment to solutions that respect the dignity of both inmates and officers. For IMLU, the camp was more than a one-day intervention. It was a bridge between suffering and healing, silence and justice:

“The biggest impact was seeing women who were once voiceless begin to access justice, healing, and hope,” said Executive Director Wangechi Kahuria.

Photo: IMLU staff and Shimo La Tewa Prison administrators pose at the end of the one-day medical camp. Photo by Tony Okiro.

Restoring Dignity in Death

In December 2024, Nairobi County planned to dispose of 120 unclaimed bodies from the City Mortuary. Many deaths were unexplained, and families had no answers—risking the loss of crucial forensic evidence.

With the support from KIOS, IMLU was able to intervene. Pathologists observed and documented 50 bodies, uncovering a misclassified gunshot death and securing evidence for future investigations. 53 morticians in Nairobi and Kisumu were trained to handle remains with dignity, preserve evidence, and care for their own mental health.

For families, this meant hope of tracing and reclaiming loved ones. For Kenya, it was a step toward implementing the National Coroners Service Act and ensuring accountable death investigations. This was a moment of indignity turned into a foundation for truth and accountability:

“These stories reflect the heart of our work: restoring dignity to survivors and holding duty bearers accountable,” said Kahuria.

Photo: IMLU Technical Lead Fatuma Kuyeya presenting at the morticians’ training in Nairobi. Photo by John Somba.

The Steps Ahead

While Kenya is celebrating its 15 years into the new Constitution, with many positive changes along the way, there are still major issues around democracy, rule of law, corruption and human rights violations that cannot be ignored.

Looking ahead, IMLU is putting a strong emphasis on survivor-centred, trauma-informed interventions, as well as consistent demand for accountability and rule of law. IMLU is scaling up its efforts in rehabilitation, accountability and advocacy – including looking into establishing a rehabilitation centre for torture survivors and their families. In a global climate of authoritarianism and reduced funding through development cooperation, diversifying funding is critical to sustain growth and impact.

From IMLU to us, and from us to you—thank you! The support from KIOS and everyone who supports KIOS helps IMLU transform lives and creates lasting change.

 

KIOS first supported IMLU from 2005–2010 and again from 2018 to today, with funding from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ development cooperation.

This article was written in collaboration with IMLU. More about IMLU and their work: Home – IMLU (The Independent Medico-Legal Unit)