Unicef Urges Kenya: Protect Students from Tear Gas in Protests
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (Unicef) expresses grave concern for the protection and well-being of children in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya.
In a statement issued in response to the protests that erupted in various parts of the country on Wednesday, the organization urged all parties to guarantee the safety and protection of children.
“It is alarming to hear that children are exposed to tear gas and other hazards in large crowds. We call on all parties involved to secure the safety and protection of children by taking the necessary steps. Children should never be subjected to injury, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded, she said.
It added that it would continue to collaborate with local and national authorities to assure the well-being of children throughout Kenya.
At least 53 children were taken to the hospital in Nairobi on Wednesday after police fired tear gas into their classroom during demonstrations.
Across the nation, opposition-called protests over the rising cost of living have turned violent. Similarly, Azimio lawmakers have demanded the prosecution of the police officers who used tear gas against the Kangemi students.
MPs from the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition in Nairobi County have condemned the tear-gassing of Kihumbuini School students during Wednesday demonstrations. On Friday, Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi, MP Babu Owino of Embakasi East, and MP Tim Wanyonyi of Westlands visited the school to appraise the situation.
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In his speech, Westlands representative Wanyonyi accused the police of targeting students. Mr. Wanyonyi stated, “We were demonstrating peacefully before the police threw teargas at us, one of which landed in my vehicle and another inside the school compound…we condemn the attack and call on the police to take action against the officers who disrupted learning in the school.”
Babu Owino demanded that the Inspector General of Police take action against the police officers who discharged tear gas inside the school grounds, causing injuries to several students.
Senator Sifuna reaffirmed that the next nationwide demonstrations will be held three times per week to convey a strong message to President William Ruto regarding the rising cost of living.
He requested that the authorities deal with the politicians of Azimio the next time instead of targeting students. Additionally, Mr. Sifuna announced that the demonstrations will continue for three consecutive days the following week.
“We have informed them that the maandamano will be transported in three days beginning next week.” Five days have been set aside to mourn those who were shot, and those who were injured, including students, and to visit those who are hospitalized. The following week, Maandamano will occur on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday,” stated Sifuna.
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According to Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya, during Wednesday’s violence, 54 pupils were injured, including 51 from primary school and 3 from secondary school.
The Azimio MCAs stated that they would visit the hospitalized students. The Azimio la Umoja coalition has announced three days of protests from Wednesday to Friday of the following week.
The coalition, which had planned to conduct anti-government demonstrations only on Wednesday, stated that it was compelled to make the change due to what it described as Kenyans’ overwhelming demands.
Unicef Urges Kenya: Protect Students from Tear Gas in Protests
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