UN concerned over learners' safety as agency condemns police conduct during anti-govt demos

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the National Police Service's conduct during the ongoing antigovernment protests following reports of teargas being lobbed inside schools.

UNICEF's Kenya Representative Shaheen Nilofer stated that every child's safety should always be prioritised by security officers.

"I am deeply concerned about reports of tear gas entering Mwiyala Primary School grounds and affecting school children during today's protests," her statement read in part.

"Children and schools are not, and must never be, targets of violence."

On Tuesday, various counties took to the streets protesting against the government.

In Kakamega County, learning was interrupted at Mwiyala Primary School after a teargas was lobbed into the school compound.

Video circulating on social media platforms showed learners covering their noses as they attempted to avoid inhaling the tear gas.

The incident sparked widespread public outrage after footage circulated.

Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo asked for the people responsible to be held accountable.

"Children should never be attacked. We need answers," she said.

A screengrab showing learners scampering for safety as a teargas canister lands at Coast Girls High School.

Just like businesses, learning institutions have been affected by the ongoing demonstrations.

Moi Avenue Primary School in Nairobi's CBD on Tuesday remained closed with classes empty due to the anti-government demonstrations.

On June 18, 2024, when the protests began, learners at Coast Girls High School in Mombasa ran out of their classrooms after teargas filled their school's compound as police and protestors engaged in running battles.

On Tuesday, July 16, 2024, marked exactly four weeks since the start of anti-government protests.

Fatality numbers

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) on Tuesday reported that so far, a total of 50 people have died in connection with the protests.

In a statement, KNCHR said some of the victims succumbed to injuries while they were undergoing treatment while other bodies were discovered under the debris of the burnt Sunbeam Mall in Nairobi.

According to the commission, the deceased are from Nairobi (21), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (2), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (2), Kisumu (3), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), Nandi (1), Embu (1), Homabay (1), Nyeri (1) and Bungoma (1).

"The number of the injured stands at 413," the statement noted.

The commission's Chairperson Roseline Odede, urged proper investigations into the killings and injuries.

"Those found culpable whether civilian or security agent should be charged," she said.

Odede stated that the commission will also pursue command responsibility for all documented instances of police brutality and excesses.

On abductions, Odede said a total of 59 people have been abducted or are missing.

"The number of those arbitrarily arrested is 682. We condemn the abductions and arrests and demand an immediate and unconditional release of all the illegally detained persons in relation to the protests," she said.