An Exclusive Interview With Dr. Kizzie Shako

A-CHOICES: Hi,Dr.Kizzie Shako.Thank you very much for joining us for this Interview. Please introduce yourself and tell us where you’re from.

 Dr. Shako:I am Dr. Kizzie Shako, a forensic medical doctor in Kenya. I was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. I am a proud mother of two wonderful children, Levi and Angel, a role that takes centre stage in my life. I am also a director at E.S.C.A.P.E. Forensic and Medicolegal consultancy and the founder of Vunja Kimya Foundation. I aim to strengthen Kenya’s criminal justice system and promote Science for Justice.

A-CHOICES: To date, you are hailed as the first female police surgeon in Kenya. How did you become Kenya’s first female forensic pathologist?

Dr Shako:Allow me to correct you. I am not a pathologist. I am a clinical forensic medical practitioner or forensic doctor. My career in this field began in 2010 when I was posted after my internship to the then Division of Forensic and Diagnostic Services, now Forensic and Pathology Services, at the Ministry of Health, Kenya. This was a fascinating time in my career, as this was my dream job!

As a medical officer working at the Nairobi City Mortuary, I was privileged to work on cases involving death investigations under the supervision and guidance of forensic pathologists. This involved conducting autopsies and attending to crime scenes where death had occurred under suspicious circumstances, such as clandestine graves, homicide cases, locations involving terrorist attacks, disasters where numerous persons died from multiple vehicle collisions, and arson, to mention a few.

After close to 3 years involved in death investigations, I was posted to the Police surgery. At this point, I had just completed a semester of my Master of Forensic Medicine education at Monash University, Australia. This course leans heavily towards clinical forensic medicine, in other words, forensic medical investigations involving living persons. By the time I enrolled in this course, I was oblivious to the cases involving living persons, as medico-legal education through medical school was not taught much. When it was, it focused on death investigations. My perspective on forensic medicine was very myopic, concentrated mainly on death investigations. The Police Surgery was and still is the only clinic in Kenya. This is a clinic that addresses the medico-legal needs of victims and suspects of violent crimes, motor vehicle collisions and occupations-related injuries by conducting examinations, reviewing medical reports, documenting findings on a police report form and producing the evidence in court.

The demographic addressed includes victims/survivors of sexual violence, survivors of intimate partner violence, survivors of physical assault, survivors of occupational injuries, and mental status assessments of murder suspects. These patients had received medical treatment elsewhere and, for legal purposes, require a forensic further evaluation to establish the nature of the injuries that were alleged to have been sustained accidentally, such as in motor vehicle collisions, or deliberately, such as in cases of assault. The Police would then use the subsequent documentation to compile a police file that would be presented to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution to determine whether or not the evidence presented is sufficient to stand trial.

What I found most interesting was that following my enrolment in the Master’s degree course, coupled with my first week at the Police Surgery, I quickly realised that a Police Surgeon is a forensic medical doctor working for the Police, tasked to attend to the living injured, murder and rape suspects for purposes of evidence management and expert witness testimony. In this position, I swiftly identified gaps in the forensic ecosystem and the need for forensic expertise for those in despair. I also noted the pronounced difference between working with the dead versus working with the living. The sadness, shame, desperation, pain and trauma that was palpable on victims’ faces were striking in living injured persons, while the burden on clinicians was heavy to carry. This essentially shaped my life’s purpose and mission. This aims to strengthen the criminal justice system, assist survivors and suspects in acquiring justice by reducing barriers to justice, and advocate for evidence management (identification, collection, preservation, documentation, and presentation) for a safe environment for children to develop optimally. 

I also quickly realised that becoming a Police surgeon was one thing, but excelling in efficiency and evidence management in this field was where the hard work was.

A-CHOICES:You worked as an acting forensic police doctor for nine years within the National Police Service in Kenya. Has it been difficult? What were some of the obstacles you faced, and how did you overcome them?

Dr. Shako:The first challenge I noted in the first week was the high caseload. Each doctor attended to over 120 patients with different issues and needs daily for the first few months. I also had to quickly understand the scope of the work of a police surgeon. Contrary to the available information, the role of the police surgeon is to manage evidence ( identification, documentation, collection, preservation, presentation, photography) and to address not only medical and legal needs but also referrals to relevant service providers. (Note: Overtime, we managed to reduce the numbers significantly to avoid burnout and poor quality of services)

For example, one child was escorted into the office. The complainant’s father provided a history indicating that the teacher had physically assaulted the child in school. The child is a 12-year-old and appeared very timid and hesitant to speak. I examined the child and asked him to undress and remain under clothing/innerwear; this is standard practice. The father was not pleased with this and insisted I just fill out the form and rely on medical reports from previous medical facilities. This is not best practice, and so I  insisted, especially noting the behaviour of the father and the child. I asked the father to step out, and upon examination, found numerous injuries on this child that the father had not mentioned, and neither were these captured in the medical reports the complainant carried with them. Noting that the father of this child is also a perpetrator of child abuse, I had to figure out ‘what next’. One cannot return a child needing care and protection to the perpetrator. This is a perfect example of ethical dilemmas we can face in this line of work.

Police officers are rarely the accused persons, and they may try to convince you not to indicate anything incriminating.

Other challenges include the low-resource setting in which I was. I lacked the necessary equipment to perform basic medical assessments, which created frustration.

Sexual harassment was a further prominent and frequent encounter from supervisors, colleagues across the criminal justice chain, and even suspects.

An observation I made very early in this position was the lack of understanding across all sectors, and in the public and development partner spaces was the lack of knowledge of and value for forensic evidence. The system in Kenya for victims of violent crime is fragmented, with little to no support for victims to move around to and from various offices that are necessary for justice to be achieved. In this fragmentation, loss of evidence, loss of time, survivor fatigue, and re-traumatisation were what survivors had to look forward to, resulting in poor participation in their cases. This fragmentation and poor multidisciplinary coordination is a barrier to justice. I spent many nights pondering this and tried various avenues to bring this gap to the attention of multiple authorities.

It is challenging to watch survivors and suspects endure unnecessary delays and frustrations with little ability to assist them.

Sexism, ageism, and gender discrimination are issues I had to learn to navigate throughout my journey in this field. Instead of giving up and not letting my voice be heard, which is the path of least resistance, I chose to put on my nig girl pants and work towards being listened to, being respected, and always speaking for the voiceless.

Finally, about three years into this work, I soon noted that working in the humanitarian space can affect one’s physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. This situation is worsened by the hard-to-reach psychological support and absent debriefing structures across all sectors at the time. Burnout and vicarious trauma became a reality, but through this experience, I learnt to identify and value support for colleagues in the criminal justice system, and I unapologetically advocate for the same for myself and others. By my second year as a police surgeon, I was invited to facilitate training on forensic medicine’s role in managing Gender Based Violence and child abuse cases for various stakeholders. I have conducted countless trainings on this issue for legal, medical, and law enforcement sectors across Kenya and consult on the same problems across Africa.

A-CHOICES: How long have you worked in this area?

Dr. Shako:I have worked in the forensic medical field for 12 years as a forensic doctor actively involved with patients ( victims and suspects), providing expert witness testimony, and attending to disasters that require additional trained personnel ( such as the West Gate terrorist attack). I was also privileged to impart my experience in various ministries, such as the Ministry of Sports, as a Secretary to the Committee on Gender Welfare in Sports. I worked as the SGBV Advisor for the Office of the Chief Justice, where  I led the development of the SGBV Court Strategy for the rollout of specialised courts in Kenya, among other diverse roles in which I have been involved. These roles allowed me to utilise my experience, learn, and engage in policy formulation activities, and above all, they provided a platform for me to share the relevance of forensic evidence and trauma management.

A-CHOICES: Your work involves gathering information, or evidence, from the injured in violent crimes such as sexual violence, domestic violence and child abuse cases. How many cases have you under your belt?

Dr. Shako:Over the years, I have handled numerous cases involving sexual violence, domestic violence, and child abuse—each one highlighting the urgent need for forensic expertise in promoting justice. While I don’t keep a running tally, my experience spans thousands of cases, ranging from forensic medical examinations to expert testimony in court. For 3 years, I saw almost 90% of all cases requiring police forms, up to 10 a day. Every case reinforces my commitment to ensuring that survivors’ voices are heard and that forensic evidence is crucial in strengthening legal outcomes.

A-CHOICES: What do you find most challenging about your work, and how do you overcome this?

Dr. Shako:The most challenging part of my work is the emotional and psychological impact that these cases can cause. As I mentioned, there is only so much one can do to assist victims in pursuing justice. I had to learn not to allow myself to carry these problems home with me. I distanced myself from these cases daily to allow time to introspect and establish how I wished to support survivors and their families.

I also changed my career trajectory from daily hands-on clinical work to working in the policy and legislation framework spaces, training personnel, and developing manuals/guidelines and SOPs.

To adopt self-care, I ensured I debriefed regularly with a trained psychologist who could handle such casework and engaged in fun activities with loved ones.

A-CHOICES: What keeps you motivated to do the work that you do?

Dr. Shako:My life’s mission is to strengthen the criminal justice system by promoting science for justice. This came about after the thousands of cases I have handled involving helpless children, vulnerable women, and men. Whenever I note an opportunity that has the potential to make a small difference in one area or another, that will essentially improve evidence produced in court, reduce the trauma that survivors face, and create awareness on these grave issues, a fire lights up in me. This is what keeps me going. Sometimes, I have considered letting things go when things get tough, but I remember all the people who have learned something from me or been assisted. This motivates me to go on for another day, month, year. We are not motivated every day of our lives, but through discipline, we must move forward.

A-CHOICES: Would you say that you are living your dreams and that knowing your purpose will push you to achieve your destiny? 

Dr Shako:When I was 16, I knew I wanted to become a forensic pathologist. I was determined to be one. When I discovered that to become a forensic pathologist, I had to enrol in medical school, then enrol in a master’s degree in pathology, and then enrol in forensic pathology, I was very discouraged. Those were way too many years to be in school, and I didn’t like high school very much. But my mother convinced me to give it a shot. And soon, I discovered that I enjoyed learning. I just needed to be interested in the topic! I completed medical school, joined the pathology services department as a medical officer, and soon after, the master’s course. I absolutely loved what I was doing. Every bit of it. On my first day in the mortuary, I thought, “ I’m here! I’m living my dream job!’ I believe I am living the career that I was meant to pursue.

A-CHOICES: Tell me the story about the day you saw a dead person’s hand move in a mortuary

Dr. Shako:It was one of those moments that reminded you just how unpredictable forensic work can be. I was in the mortuary conducting an examination when I saw a hand move out of the corner of my eye. For a split second, my mind raced—had I just witnessed the impossible?

But in forensic medicine, science always has an explanation. What I had seen was a natural postmortem occurrence—rigor mortis releasing or possibly a muscle contraction due to lingering nerve activity. These kinds of moments make people question everything, but for those of us in this field, they reinforce the importance of understanding the human body, even in death.

It was eerie, yes, but also a reminder that death isn’t as still as we often think. The human body continues its processes long after the heart stops beating, and as forensic personnel, our job is to interpret those signs, not be startled by them

A-CHOICES: Tell us about the establishment of specialised SGBV Courts and how they contribute to investing in women as a human rights imperative and fostering inclusive societies.

Dr. Shako:The establishment of specialized Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Courts is a critical step in ensuring justice for survivors and reinforcing the commitment to human rights and inclusive societies. These courts streamline the handling of SGBV cases by providing a survivor-centred approach, expediting trials, and reducing retraumatization through specialized judicial processes.

Investing in women through these courts acknowledges their fundamental rights to safety, dignity, and justice. When survivors receive timely and fair legal redress, it restores their trust in the justice system and empowers them to reclaim their lives. Additionally, these courts set a precedent for zero tolerance toward gender-based violence, fostering systemic change in legal frameworks, law enforcement, and societal attitudes.

By addressing gender-based violence effectively, we create safer communities where women and girls can thrive without fear. This contributes to a more inclusive society where equal access to justice is a reality, reinforcing the broader goal of gender equity as a human rights imperative.

A-CHOICES:With an upsurge of Gender Based Violence cases in Kenya, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, what is being done to protect the victims?

Dr. Shako:Various government ministries and development partners are involved in strengthening the response to GBV and child abuse cases.

The National Police Service, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Judiciary, the State Department for Gender Affairs, the Ministry of Health, and the Office of the President, with support from development partners, have all invested in developing guidelines, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and providing training across all sectors to ensure service providers have the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their work effectively.

Advocacy organisations have maintained continuous calls for shelter and safe space support to enable vulnerable groups to escape violence.

The judiciary has developed the SGBV court strategy and relevant terms of reference to guide the court. Twelve SGBV courts have been launched, and a Committee has been established to provide a framework for their governance. 

A-CHOICES: How would you describe your leadership style?

Dr Shako:My leadership style is a balance of expertise, empathy, and empowerment. I lead with a strong sense of purpose, ensuring that my forensic medicine and gender-based violence advocacy work creates a real impact. I believe in collaboration—guiding my team with knowledge while valuing their insights and experiences. Integrity is at the core of my approach, and I strive to lead by example, whether in my consultancy, advocacy, or mentorship. Ultimately, my goal is to inspire change, equip others with the tools they need to make a difference and create lasting solutions in the fields I’m passionate about

A-CHOICES: What are some of your favourite motivational books and gurus that have inspired you to grow your profession?

Dr. Shako:I was blessed to have the pleasure of working with Dr Myrna Kalsi, a forensic dentist in Kenya; Dr Johansen Oduor, a forensic pathologist; Dr Donna Nyamunga, a forensic dentist ( Kenya); Prof David Wells and Dr Vanita Parekh, a forensic specialist ( Australia). I learned much about navigating challenges and applying best practices through our work together. In the case of Prof David Wells and Dr Vanita Parekh, they mentored me and went above the call of duty as my lecturers.

Women like Wangari Mathaai, Maya Angelou, and my wonderful mother, Dr Dorothy Shako, who encountered tremendous challenges in their personal and professional lives but still prospered, remind me to get back up whenever I’m down. I have been tempted to quit, but then I remind myself: If they could do it, so can I.

A-CHOICES: What three pieces of advice would you offer young people who want to be like you?

Dr. Shako:If I could go back in time, I would have pursued an additional medical degree such as paediatrics, pathology, or family medicine ( I’m actually considering this) to diversify my skillset.

Ensure you understand finance matters. While purpose and passion are a tremendous duo, remember to ensure you have your financial affairs in order for the present and the future.

If you decide to get into forensic medicine, always ensure you have a well-structured self-preservation and self-care plan in place. It can be tempting to focus so much on the plight of others that you forget yourself, which can have a negative impact on you and your loved ones.

Since there are so few forensic personnel, networking becomes extremely relevant to your success. Remember, the forensic field is multidisciplinary; we all need each other.

A-CHOICES: What advice do you have for women who aspire to work in your field?

Dr. Shako:I am a strong believer in pursuing one’s purpose in life. Every single one of us has a purpose, an area where our talent can make an impact in our communities. We just have to identify this purpose, look beyond self and more about the community, identify areas that require strengthening, develop goals, and work towards achieving these goals.

Specifically, women thrive in forensic medicine by bringing a different perspective. I encourage women to pursue their preferred area of interest in forensic science/medicine. It is worth noting that forensic medicine in Africa is at an infantile stage, thus requiring one to be resilient, creative, and innovative in achieving goals and being a team player to bring about much-needed change while upholding best practice standards.

Finally, practising forensic medicine or science is very different in different jurisdictions. I recommend that anyone interested pursues these courses in States that have an established forensic ecosystem, gain work experience, and then consider whether or not to return to their home country ( relevant to those in developing countries).

A-CHOICES: Finally, do you believe in luck, hard work or both?

Dr. Shako:I do not believe in luck. I believe in divine appointment, hard work, and smart work. One must be quick to identify opportunities and run with them. For women especially, my message would be to ensure your voices are heard in every single space you are in. Speak your mind with integrity and confidence. There will be many challenges, but you can rise above them. Mentorship is also critical to success.