Human rights defenders (HRDs) have on many occasions been seen as 'enemies' of the duty bearers and those in governance positions, for standing against social injustices.

Such is the case that even in society they are seen as individuals with the ability to cope with whatever situation that comes their way.

However, Mtaa Wangu has established that this is far from reality, as this lot goes through a lot in their advocacy work.

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They interact with victims of social injustices in numerous cases of rape, defilement, land grabbing, political atrocities or even murder.

In what many in society might not understand, such interactions have had negative impacts on the lives of HRDs as they are commonly referred to.

Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Nakuru based Human rights defender Muraya Wanyambugi revealed that the nature of their work is so demanding.

He is quick to point out that some cases leave them with mental health issues as the HRD struggles to erase the disturbing images from their minds.

As opposed to the notion that individuals have about HRDs, Muraya notes that as human beings, they also need debriefing especially after attending to some traumatizing cases.

"Many people in society believe that Human rights defenders are extra ordinary people who can withstand everything...But the truth is some cases, even after handling and making referrals, keep on ringing in our minds," he says.

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He adds that for instance when handling a case of a child who was defiled, then while in the process of finding justice the minor dies, it takes years for the case to fade off from their mind.

Sentiments echoed by Francis Shinali who has been in the field of Human rights defender for the last 10 years.

He advices young HRDs to always seek guidance when handling cases in society.

"The upcoming Human rights defenders should always seek mentorship from the seniors in how to handle some matters so that they do not end up messing their mental wellness," says Shinali.

This even as several lobby groups in partnership with Nakuru Human Rights Defenders Network are working towards ensuring capacity building and wellness of the HRDs.

The Network with support from Women Empowerment Link (WEL) is holding forums aimed at addressing challenges that HRDs in Nakuru face.

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Speaking during one such forum, Vincent Tanui from Kenya Tuitakayo movement lauded the move saying it will go a long way in ensuring a proper mind set and averting mental health issues among the HRDs.

pmambili@gmail.com

The unspoken struggles of human rights defenders in Nakuru

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Pristone Mambili