The Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHCR) has raised an alarm over the harassment of special interest groups.
In a press briefing held on Tuesday, the commission chairperson Roseline Odede said children, women, elderly and disabled people have been harassed and injured during the anti-government protests.
"The commission is greatly concerned by reports of numerous violation against particular children, cases of arbitrary arrests and alleged torture against children have been reported with some children being held at industrial area remand prison," Odede said.
Odede said it is unfortunate that children, despite their innocence continue to face the brunt of the violence.
"It was disheartening to see teargas lobbed into schools, an old lady beaten up by a police man, mothers with babies running of their houses after their residences were tear-gassed and a woman in a wheelchair being beaten up," Odede said.
She added that cases of arbitrary arrests and alleged torture against children have been reported with some children being held at the Industrial Area Remand Prison.
"This is unacceptable! Law enforcement agencies and the justice system must protect the children. No child should be arbitrarily arrested, detained with adults, or tortured. This must end," Odede said.
The chairperson reiterated that articles 53, 54 and 57 provide for protection and preservation of the special interest groups.
She further urged all medical personnel to accord medical treatment to the injured people while observing the principles of confidentiality.
This comes after the Commission raised concerns about reports that several people are nursing injuries at home, for fear of arrest should they seek medication at hospitals.
