KENYA: Politicians warned against using children

[19 November 2007] - Teachers in Kenya have called for politicians who involve school children in their campaigns to be prosecuted.

Secretary-general Francis Ng'ang'a, of Kenya's National Union of Teachers said law enforcement agencies should take legal action against such politicians, arguing their conduct should be considered as an abuse of children's rights.

Speaking to the Nation, Mr Ng'ang'a said the practice was becoming common in various parts of the country with politicians using children to heckle their opponents or engage in violent confrontations.

Incidents where school children have been injured in election-related violence have also been reported.

The secretary-general asked parents to be extra vigilant during the school holidays to guard against their children being drawn into campaigns.

Mr Ng'ang'a, however, said teachers were  free to take an active part in politics during the December holidays.

He called on them to vote for leaders who have the interests of the education sector at heart.

Further information

 

pdf: http://allafrica.com/stories/200711190235.html

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