Sen. Esther Okenyuri on February 16 requested a statement from the Committee on Labor and Social Welfare on the status and welfare of Baby Sagini jr whose eyes were gouged out after he was allegedly abducted by his relatives.
Senator Okenyuri expressed her dissatisfaction with the manner in which child abuse cases are reported and handled.
“According to a new national study conducted by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, one in two young adults in Kenya experienced violence as a child, whether physical, sexual, or emotional.” part of her statement read.
She referred to the unfortunate case of Baby Sagini, an innocent three-year-old boy who was left blind after his close relatives gouged out his eyes.
Article 53(1)(d) of the Constitution states that –
“1. Every child has the right –
(d) to be protected from abuse, neglect, harmful cultural practices, all forms of violence, inhuman treatment and punishment, and hazardous or exploitative labour;”
The rights of children have also been protected and preserved by a number of legislation, including the Children’s Act (2022) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).
In the Statement, Senator Okenyuri wants the Committee to –
- Apprise the Senate on the status and welfare of baby Junior Sagini, indicating
measures the Government has taken in ensuring adequate provision of all his
basic needs; - State mechanisms, if any, that the Government has put in place to ensure effective and efficient response to reported cases of child abuse, neglect and violence at county and sub-county levels
- Outline the plans, if any, that the Government has put in place to provide for
specially-trained and designated public prosecutors to handle cases of child abuse and in ensuring the child protection centers are managed by trained counselors; - Shed light on the loopholes and challenges affecting the realization and implementation of comprehensive child protection services in Kenya; and
- Recommend measures that can be adopted to increase public awareness and
sensitization on the widespread challenge of child abuse, neglect, and violence
She said: “Despite the government’s robust legal and policy framework for protecting children, thousands of young Kenyans experience violence, abuse, and neglect every year.”
The Senator emphasized the importance of putting in place an efficient child protection system.
“While appreciating the country’s efforts to enact the proper laws and policies including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), it is crucial to ensure that sufficient resources are provided in order to put these laws and policies into action.” She added.
Former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko claimed that he has been denied access to support the family of Baby Sagini whose eyes were gouged out in a bitter family feud.
According to Sonko, his efforts to support Sagini’s family have been followed by bad politics by some dirty-minded politicians who claim that he is supporting the family to gain political mileage.
“I’m sending their small Christmas gifts through a good Samaritan who is also helping on the ground Esnahs Nyaramba,” he tweeted.
The pre-trial conference in a case in which three people: Alex Maina Ochogo, Pacifica Nyakerario and Rael Mayieka (below, standing); have been charged with attempting to kill Brighton Sagini, will be heard on March 3.
Senior Resident Magistrate Christine Ogweno also directed media bloggers to stop prosecuting the case, saying it infringed on the privacy of Sagini and his sister Shantel Kemunto.
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