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.
