A wave of national outrage has erupted following disturbing scenes of school children caught in clouds of teargas, as security forces responded to public unrest with force widely condemned as excessive and inhumane.
The incident, which occurred during a crackdown on protests earlier this week, has drawn fierce criticism from human rights groups, political commentators, and members of the public. Many are questioning how state authorities allowed such disproportionate measures to be used in the presence of innocent minors.
Eyewitness accounts and video footage show young children coughing, crying, and fleeing for safety as teargas canisters exploded around them. Parents and teachers were left in panic, shielding children from the chaos, in scenes likened to war zones rather than peaceful communities.
“Drama has always reflected politics,” said social critic and writer Ev Roger Kubende. “And today, our streets have become a tragic theatre — one where the state is not the protector, but the perpetrator.”
Kubende compared the current events to themes in classic Kenyan literature such as Betrayal in the City by Francis Imbuga, where power and oppression collide at the expense of the innocent. “It is backward, petty, and shameful. What kind of leadership turns its arsenal against school children?” he questioned.
This latest incident adds to growing concern over the government’s handling of civil unrest, particularly its increasing use of force in communities with no direct involvement in political protests. Teargas, once considered a last resort, is now being used in what many say are unprovoked and indiscriminate actions.
“The children were not protesting. They were going about their day. To see them choking on teargas while those meant to protect them stand by, is heartbreaking,” said a teacher at a nearby school, who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.
In a public address, the Ministry of Interior defended the police response, citing concerns over security threats in the area. However, no explanation has been offered as to why the operation extended to school zones.
Social media has since been flooded with hashtags like #ProtectOurChildren and #StopTeargassingKids, with Kenyans demanding accountability and immediate reform of police crowd-control procedures.
Critics argue that this is not simply a law enforcement issue, but a moral failure at the highest levels. “Even God didn’t fight evil in His divine power. He became man — Jesus — to walk with the people. Our leaders should take note: true power is measured in mercy, not might,” Kubende added.
As investigations continue and public pressure mounts, many are calling for the resignation of senior security officials involved in authorizing the operation. Civil rights organizations have also announced plans to file a class action suit on behalf of the affected children and their families.
0 $type={facebook}:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.