Gilgil MP Martha Wangari has called for an inquiry to establish the state of children she said are languishing with their mothers in various prisons across the country.
Wangari acknowledged that there are many children who are currently being deprived of their basic rights as education.
“We want the Committee on Labor of this House to make inquiry by visiting correctional facilities so that we are able to know how many children are suffering with their parents not enjoying education or comprehensive medical care which is a constitutional right,” said the MP.
The legislator was contributing to a motion by Konoin MP Brighton Yegon seeking to have the government develop and implement a childcare program to look into the affairs of children whose parents are in lawful custody.
She added: “Let us know how many children we are talking about”.
Wangari also extended her appeal to President William Ruto to consider pardoning women with children under the power of mercy who she said are petty offenders.
“Mr Speaker these are the people who should come first because we want to reunite them with their families,” she stated.
Yegon said the State Department of Social Protection should take care of such children whose mothers have been arrested or convicted noting that children above the age of four years still require parental support.
Section 22 of the Persons Deprived of Liberty Act and the Childcare Policy provide for the care of a child whose mother is deprived of liberty until the child attains the age of four years.
Yegon said all children should be accorded a means of maintaining their relationship with incarcerated parents.
“Majority of the children often suffer from emotional distress, social stigma and economic hardships,” he said.
Policy on Care of Children of Incarcerated Mothers provides a framework for creating a conducive environment for the realisation of the best interests of children aged four years and below.
Langata MP Phelix Odiwuor among several others supported the motion.
Wangari at the same time challenged the Committee on Implementation to ensure this program is realised.
She raised concerns that there are many motions and Bills that have been passed by the House but end up not being implemented.
