Working with Police and Courts

What to expect when you report to police or go to court for GBV in Kenya, and what to do when the system fails you.

Before going to the police

What to expect at the police station

The court process for GBV cases

Lesson Outline

Lesson outline

Step 1

Before going to the police

Step 2

What to expect at the police station

Step 3

The court process for GBV cases

Step 4

When the system does not respond

Section 1

Before going to the police

Bring a support person if possible — a trusted friend, NGO advocate, or legal aid representative.
Carry any evidence you have — photos, messages, medical records, and a written timeline of incidents.
Write down key facts in advance — dates, locations, what happened, who was present.
You can report at any police station regardless of where the incident occurred, though the nearest station to the incident is often most practical for follow-up.

Section 2

You have the right to be assisted by a trained officer or the Gender and Children's Desk where one exists.
Request an OB (Occurrence Book) number immediately — this is your reference for tracking the report.
If the officer tries to mediate instead of recording, state clearly that you are making a formal report and request your OB number.
If you are not taken seriously, ask to speak to the officer in charge and document who you spoke to and what they said.

Section 3

Criminal GBV cases are handled in the magistrates court — the police refer the file after investigation.
Civil protection orders are applied for separately at the magistrates court and do not require a criminal conviction.
You will likely need to give a witness statement — a legal aid advocate can prepare you for this.
Court processes take time — ask your legal aid representative for realistic timelines and what happens at each stage.

Section 4

Document everything — officer names, badge numbers, dates, and what was said or refused.
Escalate to the station OCS (Officer Commanding Station) in writing, keeping a copy for yourself.
Report police failure to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) — this creates an external record and may prompt action.
NGO advocates and legal aid lawyers can accompany you to the station and escalate on your behalf — this is often more effective than going alone.

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