In light of the recent anti-government protests in Kenya, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern about the well-being of children during anti-government protests.

This comes after pupils were teargassed during the demonstrations on Wednesday.

In a statement on Friday, Unicef appealed to both the government and the opposition to put in place measures to ensure the safety and protection of children across the country is assured.

“UNICEF is deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of children in Nairobi and various regions of Kenya, in the aftermath of recent protests. The reports of children being exposed to tear gas and other dangers present in large crowds are alarming,”  it said.

The UN agency said children should never be exposed to harm, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded.

“We appeal to all involved parties to undertake necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of children. Children should never be exposed to harm, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded,” they said.

NICEF further said it remains committed to working tirelessly in partnership with local and national entities to ensure security and the well-being of children across Kenya is guaranteed.

This comes after more than 50 pupils were rushed to hospital on Monday after the police lobbed teargas in their classroom in Kangemi.

The pupils of KihumbuIni Primary School in Kangemi were in their classrooms when the tear gas was lobbed.

The majority of them were allegedly shocked after they were overwhelmed by the teargas fumes but so far no casualties have been reported.

According to one of the locals, the teargas canister was allegedly thrown into the classroom by police officers who were dispersing residents who turned up for the Azimio protests.

Religious leaders drawn from the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Council of Churches of Kenya(NCCK) have appealed to President William Ruto to hear the cry of the people of Kenya who are heavily burdened by the prevailing global economic crisis and the drought that is yet to end despite the onset of rains.

In a statement signed by the bishops’ Association chairman Martin Kivuva and the NCCK chairman Archbishop Timothy Ndambuki, they said there are many families that are sleeping hungry, businesses have collapsed, jobs have been lost, and yet the cost of living is continuing to rise.

“We strongly recommend that your administration considers adopting policies and strategies that give Kenyans hope while addressing the economic challenge in the short and long terms. Without this approach, Your Excellency, we fear that the growing sense of hopelessness will push the country into instability and possibly violence,” they said.

As an immediate mitigation measure, they recommend that the Finance Act 2023 is repealed so as to review the heavy taxation burden imposed on Kenyans.

In addition, they urged a cessation of domestic borrowing by the government so as to enable banks to loan private businesses
that drive the local economy.

The leaders also appealed to opposition leader Raila Odinga to recognize the key position he holds and the contribution you make in shaping the current and future of the nation.

“Appreciating that justice is the foundation of stability and peace, we urge you to spearhead an issue-based and solution-oriented approach to secure the nation from sliding into chaos and violence,” they added.

They also appealed to Raila to reconsider the proposed mass action programme which is likely to make the situation worse for Kenyans.

“We also urge that you do not give the people false hope that the government can be removed from office through collection of signature,” they added.

The Bishops urged Kenyans to firmly resist incitement by political and social leaders who are focused on selfish ambitions.

“Instead, let each of us deliberately engage all public participation forums and opportunities, taking every chance to influence policy and decision-making processes.

“We should not leave the destiny of our families in the hands of politicians alone, and should instead adopt the mantra of “Nothing for us without us”.”

Suspected Al-Shabaab militants are said to have attacked three separate locations in Mandera County in the early hours of Friday morning.

The first attack occurred in the Iresuki area, where militants ambushed police officers guarding a Safaricom mast about 15 kilometres from Elwak Police Station.

“At around 0130 hrs National Police Reservist (NPR) Abdirahman Bashir, who was among those manning Iresuki Safaricom mast, reported via phone call that they had been overpowered by suspected Al Shabaab Militants and that the Safaricom mast was being destroyed,” a police report reads in part.

Attempts to contact Bashir on the same number he used to raise the alarm soon proved futile. According to the police report, his colleagues were also unable to be reached by phone. Their current whereabouts are unknown.

At the same time, Al-Shabaab militants reportedly besieged Wargadud Police Station.

“In a bid to establish the facts, KDF stationed at Elwak also confirmed that at about that same time, they were attacked at their camp by suspected Al Shabaab militants,” said the police report.

“Consequently there is loss of network between Elwak and Wargadud police stations.”

To determine the extent of the attacks, investigations into the separate but seemingly coordinated incidents are currently underway.

It is unknown whether any police or KDF personnel were injured or killed during the incidents.