The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has strongly condemned the violation of children’s rights during the Saba Saba protests held on Monday, July 7, warning that such actions undermine Kenya’s commitment to the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. The statement follows the tragic death of a 12-year-old girl and the reported detention of minors during the unrest.
Highlights
- UNICEF says violence and detentions involving children breach international child rights charters.
- 12-year-old Bridgit Njoki was shot dead by a stray bullet during the protests.
- The agency urged the government to prioritize the safety and legal rights of children in all situations.
- UNICEF reiterated that arresting minors should only occur as a last resort.
Main Story
UNICEF’s statement came in response to the death of Bridgit Njoki, a 12-year-old girl who was reportedly killed by a stray bullet while inside her home in Ndumberi, Kiambu County, during the July 7 demonstrations. Her death has triggered national mourning and renewed scrutiny of how security operations affect vulnerable populations—especially children.
UNICEF expressed deep concern that children were among those harmed or detained during the protests. The agency emphasized that under both the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, governments are obligated to protect minors from harm—even during states of unrest.
They further stressed that detention of children must be a measure of last resort, and that any such detention must be accompanied by access to legal representation, family contact, and separation from adults in custody.
The organization urged Kenyan authorities to thoroughly investigate all reports of child harm, including Bridgit’s death, and take steps to prevent future violations. It called on the government to ensure all law enforcement officers are trained in child rights protection and to uphold its international obligations.
As protests echo across the country, UNICEF’s message is clear: no matter the cause, no child should ever pay the price for a nation’s unrest. Bridgit’s name must not be forgotten—her story is a reminder of the urgent need to protect Kenya’s youngest citizens.
