NATIONAL REPORT 2016 The flying squad officers continued to harass the family even after Sillah’s acquittal and would chase away anyone working in their small tea holding. The younger brother, who was in charge of three butcheries owned by Silah, was also harassed and all three businesses closed down shortly after Sillah’s arrest. The arrest also led to Sillah being forced to give up his other work as a trader in livestock. up under such circumstances,” says Mr. Gitau. “He can also walk on steep terrain for one kilometre and return home without too much strain. Uncontrolled weeping when speaking about his ordeal to his listeners has dramatically reduced and he is now able to state the facts without emotional triggers. Initially, he had lost his memory but is slowly starting to remember.” As a result of being tortured and imprisoned for four years, Sillah sustained physical injuries to the knees and suffered from potency and psychological trauma without treatment. He came to IMLU on 23 April 2015 and after a general assessment by an IMLU doctor and counsellor, it was clear that there was an urgent need to address Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety and profound loss, while at the same time pursue medical support for sustained physical injuries and legal support to seek compensation for violation of his rights. Sillah has two more therapy sessions to go and it is important to note that during his first four sessions, he was brought by his close friend 80-year old Johanna Chege from his home in Murang’a to IMLU offices in Niarobi. However, during the time of the interview, he was accompanied by his son. He is grateful to IMLU for giving him a second chance in life by allowing him share his story with the rest of the world and help him get to his feet again so that he can continue providing for his family after 15 years of physical, mental and financial challenges According to his counsellor, Sillah has improved significantly despite enduring 14 years without treatment for the effects of torture. “He can now squat in a pit latrine and support his weight at the knees much better than before because of medical treatment. Before he needed supported to stand Supporters commemorating the UN International Day in Support of Torture Victims, 26 June. | © courtesy of IMLU page 10