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The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) chair Roseline Odede has condemned the involvement of children in campaigns by politicians in the run-up to the August 9th general elections. Ms Odede said that children are skipping school to go and sing for politicians.
“The Commission has observed and documented the disruption of learning activities that has allowed school students to participate in political events such as; singing for politicians and moving out of schools to cheer politicians by the roadsides among others,” noted Odede.
The advocate further indicated that they had documented 101 cases of children in political activities and disruption of learning. The children affected are between the ages of 10-16 drawn from both primary and high schools. According to Odede, the highest prevalence of these cases has been recorded in Nairobi, Kiambu, Mombasa, Nyamira and Kilifi.
This harmful practice against children exposes them to violence and other injurious activities to their safety and mental wellbeing. “The Commission further notes the potential dangers of engaging children in political activities including violence and exposure to derogatory language exhibited by the politicians,” shared the Commission’s chairperson.
Additionally, the loud campaigns circulating around the streets and villages further interrupt learning by distracting students. The Head of State Commendation awardee said that students leave class in session to go and watch the campaigns believing that they’ll receive handouts from these candidates.
KNHCR says they’ve raised the issue with the Wafula Chebukati-led Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Ministry of Education. “We have raised this issue with the Cabinet Secretary Prof. George Magoha. We want him to address this because it is offending the rights of children. Additionally, we’ll also engage duty bearers and ask them to take action,” said Odede.
In a press conference, the Commission Chairperson said that the giving of handouts even to children goes hand in hand with the vice of bribery and undue influence by politicians. They therefore asked the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) led by Yusuf Haji to take urgent action to enforce the Election Offenses Act. “The DPP should promptly prosecute and redress human rights violations and abuses,” said Ms Odede.
