Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has raised concern over how the justice system is treating children. She said that at least 10 children aged 17 and below have been kept in remand for more than 10 days.
Her message comes amid worrying trend where everyone who was arrested before, during and after the June 25 and Saba Saba protests is bej v charged with terrorism even where there is no evidence to support.
Maina said this goes against the law. Children should be processed quickly and given special care, but this is not happening.
“We have found around 10 minors who have stayed in remand for over 10 days,” Maina wrote on X. “The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions knows what the law says about children but still agrees to charge them.”
She said the government seems to have no better work than to go after young people.
“On that matter, they work hard. They are showing they can deliver something. How sad,” she added.
She called the actions of the ODPP “crass” and “diabolically crass.” She said this is not how a caring government should treat its young people.
Her words have brought attention to the way minors are handled in Kenya’s courts and police cells.
Many times children are held for too long. Some are even kept with adult suspects which puts them at more risk.
Maina said the law must be followed and children must be protected. She said this is not just about legal steps but also about being human and doing what is right.
MP Njeri Maina speaks during a past function. Photo: Citizen TV Kenya Source:X
“This is not just a failure in following the law. It is a failure of morals. A failure of the heart,” she said.
The lawmaker is now calling for action. She wants the ODPP to review these cases and release the minors who are being held wrongly.
Her message may push other leaders and child rights groups to speak up. Many are likely to ask the government to treat children fairly and protect their future.