NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the killing of a young girl and the reported arrest of minors during the Saba Saba (7/7) protests in Kenya, calling for the protection of children’s rights amid ongoing unrest.
In a statement, UNICEF extended heartfelt condolences to families who lost loved ones during the protests, particularly mourning the tragic death of a young girl killed by a stray bullet while inside her home.
“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,” the statement read.
UNICEF expresses condolences to families who lost loved ones during the Saba Saba (7 7) protests in Kenya, especially to the family of a young girl who was tragically killed by a stray bullet in her home.Our full statement: unicef.link/4lJqRgT
The organization also raised alarm over disturbing reports of children being arrested and detained during the demonstrations, which have rocked various parts of the country over the past week.
UNICEF reminded Kenyan authorities that, under both the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the detention of minors must be a measure of last resort.
“Minors who have been detained must have immediate access to appropriate legal assistance, contact with their families, and should be held separately from adults for the shortest time possible,” the agency said.
The rights body underscored that children must be protected from harm at all times—regardless of the political or security situation in the country.
“Children must be protected from harm – at all times and under all circumstances. It is their fundamental right,” UNICEF stressed.
The Saba Saba demonstrations, initially sparked by youth-led opposition to the controversial Finance Act, have since expanded into a broader call for political accountability and economic reform.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 31 people have died, more than 100 have been injured, and hundreds arrested—many of them minors.
Human rights groups, religious leaders, and civil society organizations have urged the government to de-escalate tensions and investigate the use of excessive force by security agencies.
UNICEF joins these voices in urging the Kenyan government to uphold its international and constitutional obligations to safeguard children, even during times of unrest.
