Senator Veronica Maina has asked the Senate to make a Statement on the need to ensure the protection of Kenya’s children from severe harm, violence, neglect, and abuse.
Senator Maina cited the increase in defilement, disappearance, and brutal killing of children in the country and stated that Kenya is still traumatized by the recent tragedies experienced in the country, especially the brutal killing of nine-year-old Shantel Waruguru.
Senator Maina stated that the tragedies are senseless and we are left with no option but to consider the effectiveness of child protection, community watch, and law enforcement in Kenya.
Speaking in the Senate Chamber yesterday, Senator Veronica Maina, a Nominated Senator, asked the House to consider a list of recent tragedies experienced in the country, including the death of Eliza Wamaitha, Tamara Blessing Kabura, Tabitha Wanjiru Macharia, and other suspected cases of filicide and murder-suicide of children.
Senator Maina reminded the House that every child in Kenya has an inherent and inalienable right to life, dignity, care, and protection, as stated in Article 53 of the Constitution.
Senator Maina stated that despite the progressive laws passed in Kenya to protect children, such as the Children’s Act 2022, the increase in violence against children in Kenya indicates a number of failures in the implementation and coordination of child protection in Kenya by responsible bodies.
Senator Maina stated that in addressing the failures experienced in child protection in Kenya, the Government should consider making policy and administrative changes in addressing the shortcomings in child protection in Kenya.
Senator Maina stated that “the protection of children is a shared responsibility, and no child in Kenya should be left unprotected.”