UNICEF Representative Shaheen Nilofer Condemns Tear Gas Attack On School Children
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Kenya, Shaheen Nilofer, has strongly condemned the tear gas attack on school children that occurred on July 16. Speaking out on X (formerly Twitter), Nilofer expressed deep concern over the incident at Mwiyala Primary School, emphasizing that children and school grounds should never be targets of violence.
“I am deeply concerned about reports of tear gas entering Mwiyala Primary School grounds and affecting school children during today’s protests. #Children and #schools are not, and must never be, targets of violence,” Nilofer stated.
She reiterated UNICEF’s core principle that every child’s safety must be prioritized, especially during conflicts. “Every child’s safety should always be prioritized. #NotATarget,” she added.
The incident took place during the #OccupyEverywhere protests, which swept across the country. Police in Kakamega fired tear gas canisters into the grounds of Mwiyala Primary School, causing panic among the children. Videos showed pupils sneezing, crying, and running for safety. The event sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans.
Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Faith Odhiambo also condemned the incident, demanding accountability. “Children should never be attacked. We need answers,” Odhiambo asserted.
The Kakamega episode was not isolated. Similar incidents were reported, including school children around the Milimani Law Courts being caught in the crossfire of tear gas. In another alarming occurrence, police officers were accused of tear-gassing patients inside a hospital in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), leading to chaotic scenes as doctors and patients scrambled to escape the toxic fumes.
Additionally, tensions were high in Nakuru after police were seen on CCTV entering a church to search for protesters who had sought refuge. Some protesters were reportedly beaten and others forcefully removed from the church premises.
These incidents have drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, highlighting the need for restraint and the protection of vulnerable groups during civil unrest. The actions of the police during these protests have raised serious concerns about the conduct of law enforcement and the safety of innocent civilians, particularly children.
UNICEF Representative Shaheen Nilofer Condemns Tear Gas Attack On School Children
