The Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya (FIDA-Kenya) has raised concern over recent public statements involving minors, including remarks made in the Senate on Saturday during the visit of a school-going girl participating in a voluntary service programme at Parliament.
In a statement issued on 9 May 2026, FIDA-Kenya said it was alarmed by what it described as increasing cases of children being exposed to inappropriate public commentary and online circulation, warning that such actions undermine their dignity and emotional well-being.
The organisation pointed to remarks made by Senator Karen Nyamu during the Senate session, which drew widespread criticism from members of the public and leaders.
The comments, made in reference to the student’s presence in the House, were later condemned as inappropriate and demeaning, with the Speaker directing the senator to issue an apology.
FIDA-Kenya said Parliament and all public institutions must remain safe and respectful spaces for children and young people who are invited to participate in civic learning programmes.
“Remarks made in Parliament were inappropriate and did not meet the constitutional duty of leaders to uphold dignity, integrity and respect, especially in relation to children,” the organisation stated.
The rights group warned that normalising language that belittles or humiliates girls in public spaces risks discouraging their participation in leadership and civic engagement.
It added that such behaviour sends a negative message about the safety of institutional spaces for young girls.
Beyond the parliamentary remarks, FIDA-Kenya also expressed concern over the growing trend of minors being exposed on social media platforms, television interviews, and online discussions without adequate protection of their privacy.
The organisation said the circulation of videos and images involving underage girls, even when framed as public interest or accountability content, reflects a weakening of child safeguarding standards.
“Children should never be used for sensationalism, ridicule, or public entertainment,” FIDA-Kenya said.
The organisation called for stronger enforcement of child protection guidelines within Parliament and other state institutions, including clear limits on the identification and exposure of minors in public forums.
It also urged mandatory training for public officers on child safeguarding, gender sensitivity, and ethical leadership.
FIDA-Kenya further appealed to media houses, bloggers, and digital platforms to adopt responsible reporting standards when handling cases involving children, noting that online exposure can have long-term psychological and social consequences.
The controversy has added to ongoing public debate over the treatment of minors in civic spaces and the responsibility of leaders to model appropriate conduct, especially when interacting with children in official settings.
FIDA-Kenya maintained that the dignity and safety of children must remain a priority in both governance and public communication.