LSK wants action against Boinett over Langata Road Primary protests

The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) wants stern action taken against the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinett and officials of the Ministry of Education over the Langata Road Primary School land grabbing protests last year.

According to LSK, the taskforce formed to probe the events that transpired on Langata Road Primary School conducted a thorough research and recommends action against the Inspector General of Police and Ministry of Education officials.

According to the Children’s Act, under the Laws of Kenya; “A child shall be entitled to leisure, play and participation in cultural and artistic activities.”

LSK Vice President Lilian Omondi said that there is a need to conduct an audit of all land belonging to public primary schools in the city to ensure they are not grabbed.

Ms Omondi noted that children got traumatised following the confrontation between them and police officers during the protests.

“Police used force by hurling tear gas canisters at the pupils and other demonstrators who were protesting the alleged grabbing of the school’s playground,” she said.

Early August, a report released by the Office of Ombudsman recommended disciplinary action against police bosses over the Langata Road Primary School demonstrations held on January 19th, 2015.

The report accused police of lobbing teargas to pupils during the demonstration over alleged grabbing of the school playground by a private developer.

Five school children were reportedly injured in the incident and taken to Langata Hospital for treatment, four of which were treated and released while the fifth, a standard seven girl was admitted.

By Shamsa Abdulkadir