The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a statement following the tragic death of 12-year-old Bridget Njoki Wainaina, who was killed by a stray bullet during the recent Saba Saba protests.
In a statement on Wednesday, July 9, UNICEF expressed its sorrow over the incident and sent condolences to all affected families.
"UNICEF expresses its condolences to the families who lost loved ones during the Saba Saba (7 7) protests in Kenya.
"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 organization said.
UNICEF also raised concerns about reports of minors being arrested during the widespread protests.
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“UNICEF is also deeply concerned by reports of children being arrested during the protests. Detention should be the last resort as outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Africa Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child,” the agency added.
UNICEF stressed the importance of proper treatment for detained minors, including separation from adults while in custody.
"Minors who have been detained must have immediate access to appropriate legal assistance, family contact and should be separated from adults while in custody for the shortest time possible," the statement concluded.
Bridget was struck by the stray bullet while she was inside her family’s home during the Saba Saba Day protests.
According to eyewitness accounts, police officers were dispersing protestors in the area when one of the bullets pierced the roof of the house and fatally struck Bridget in the head.
Her mother initially thought the child had sustained a minor scratch from a falling object, only to realize moments later that her daughter had been hit by a live round.
Despite being rushed to St. Bridget’s Hospital, doctors could not save her life.
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