We are deeply saddened by the loss of lives during protests, Unicef says

Police engage protesters during Saba Saba demonstrations. /FILE

Unicef has expressed dissatisfaction with the occurrences in the Sabasaba protests, where killings and violations of people’s rights were witnessed.

In a statement, Unicef expressed deep concern about what they termed as a violation of child rights as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child.

The UN agency sent condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

It mourned the young girl killed by a police bullet that hit her while in her parents' house. The girl was rushed to hospital, where the doctors confirmed a bullet was stuck in her head. She was later pronounced dead.

“We especially extend our heartfelt sympathies to the family of a young girl who was tragically killed by a stray bullet while sitting innocently in the sanctity of her own home,” Unicef said.

The agency also condemned the unlawful arrests of people, especially children, and called for immediate access to appropriate legal assistance, family contact and separation of children from adults while in custody.

The demonstrations marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba protests of July 7, 1990, which launched Kenya's push for multi-party democracy.

In a scathing report, the Kenya Human Rights Commission accused the police of using excessive force, as has frequently been the case during the current wave of protests.

"Police operated in plainclothes and unmarked vehicles" on Monday and collaborated with "armed criminal gangs in Nairobi, Kajiado, Nakuru, Kiambu, and Eldoret", KHRC said. The police have since denied the allegations of collaborating with goons.

Unicef said that children must be protected from harm ­­­at all times and under all circumstances.