Written By Lisa Murimi
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) issued a statement on Tuesday condemning the tear-gassing of young children during nationwide anti-government protests in Kenya.
This follows reports that Kenyan police fired tear gas into the grounds of Mwiyala Primary School in Kakamega County, affecting school children.
UNICEF’s Country Representative, Shaheen Nilofer, described the actions of the Kenyan police as unacceptable, emphasizing that the safety of children should always be a priority for security officers.
“I am deeply concerned about reports of tear gas entering Mwiyala Primary School grounds and affecting school children during today’s protests,” she stated. “Children and schools are not, and must never be, targets of violence.”
UNICEF’s condemnation adds to a growing list of leaders criticizing the police conduct. Faith Odhiambo, President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), called for those responsible to be held accountable, stating, “Children should never be attacked. We need answers.”
The Kakamega incident was not isolated. Another school in Nairobi faced similar tear-gassing by police. Additionally, police were accused of tear-gassing patients inside a hospital and a church in Nairobi. In Nakuru, tensions rose as police officers were caught on CCTV entering a church to search for protestors seeking refuge.
The United Nations has urged Kenyan police to respect human rights while managing the predominantly Gen Z-led anti-government protests.
