By John Kariuki
The Kenya Women Parliamentarians Association (KEWOPA) has issued a fierce and unrelenting condemnation of the outrageous teargassing of students at Butere Girls High School—a vile, shameful act that has shocked the nation and laid bare the growing crisis of police brutality in Kenya.
In what can only be described as a grotesque display of state-sponsored violence, young schoolgirls were subjected to teargas within the very grounds that should shield them from harm—their classrooms. This was not only a reckless breach of duty by those entrusted with public safety, but a heartless violation of children’s rights, security, and dignity.
KEWOPA is appalled.
In a strongly-worded statement, the association termed the incident “unacceptable and deeply concerning,” demanding immediate investigations, full accountability, and concrete action to ensure the safety of children is never again compromised by state agents.
“This act is a stain on our nation’s conscience. Our children are not enemy combatants. They are innocent students who must be protected, nurtured, and shielded from harm—not brutalized with chemical weapons meant for riot control,” KEWOPA declared.
The association further decried the normalization of excessive force by police officers, calling it a clear sign of institutional decay and moral collapse within the enforcement ranks.
KEWOPA is calling on the Ministry of Education, the National Police Service, the Interior Ministry, and human rights watchdogs to act decisively and transparently. The nation cannot sit back and watch as its future—its children—is brutalized. Schools must remain sanctuaries of learning, not war zones.
KEWOPA stands united in defense of Kenya’s daughters. The time for justice is now.