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The world marks the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression today when Kenyan media is replete with chilling headlines over the kidnapping and savage killing of an eight-year-old girl in Kajiado County. 

Two people, a boda boda rider and another man, have been arrested over the killing that happened after the girl’s parents failed to pay ransom. 

According to the United Nations, the day is marked to acknowledge the pain suffered by children throughout the world, as a result of physical, mental and emotional abuse.

The six most common violations are recruitment and use of children in war, killing, sexual violence, abduction, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access.  

That at a girl can be killed with such cruelty at the hands of individuals who are supposed to protect her should annoy anyone with a conscience.

We are more puzzled by the involvement of women in such crimes. Society regards women and mothers as care givers who have a strong emotional attachment to children.

The Kitengela death is a sad commentary about the little value criminals attach to human life.

Children and the elderly are the most vulnerable in conflict situations. And the good book consistently reminds us that children are innocent.

Mind boggling

Reports indicate the Kitengela kidnappers could have mistakenly targeted the wrong girl.

Be it as it may, it is unfortunate that innocent children have become victims in conflicts involving adults.

Thousands of Kenyan parents are forced to leave their children at home as they go out to eke a living.

The idea that criminals could take advantage of parents’ absence to harm children is mind boggling.

Besides killings, the country has been treated to rampant cases of child neglect, torture and even denial of access to education and health care.

This points to failure by parents and authorities entrusted with protection of children.

But the primary responsibility rests with parents and guardians. A society perpetuates itself through children who constitute the future generation.  That is why every care must be taken to protect them from harm’s way.