FIGHT AGAINST TORTURE AND NEGLECT.

Her path and passion for protecting children began with a dramatic history that turned into an ironic twist.

Esther Njeri faced the Nairobi law courts back in 1996 out of ignorance. She forcefully took two neglected children into her custody with the aim of saving their lives. 

 The children had been starving for weeks as their father was not irresponsible, he would neglect his children since their mother passed away. “The children were three siblings, but one died out of starvation at the age one year.” Esther narrates .

Children's Officer Esther Njeri at her office.

The father had a round the clock schedule and would travel out of town without handing anyone his responsibility.  She recalls the incident that changed her life, “A neighbor came to the family in Kayole came to me and described babies’ ordeal. I was so disappointed with the father that I stormed into that house and took away the children right after their sibling’s death.”

However, the father was aggressive and mobilized a team of friends to take her to court. “I was so passionate and personal, that I had no clue about the legalities involved when taking neglected children to my custody.” She chuckles shyly in her office.

Fortunately, concerned Samaritans came into her rescue and assisted her. They accommodated the children and paid lawyers for the case, the rest is history to her daily career.

Today the Volunteer children’s officer saved those two children aged then  2 and 3 years old. They are healthy, alive and have completed secondary education.  

CAREER

Now , at 40 years old with four children of her own, she serves under the District  Children’s Officer in Kayole district.

She has a round the clock task. Her phone rings as late as midnight to rescue children neglected at odd places and at odd times.  She has served several cases dealing with child neglect, a child abuse and mothers being brutally assaulted because of a child in the relationship.

“Sometimes I am called at night and have to react on the spot with a colleague and live my house. Children are left in bars, trenches, locked in houses for days among unimaginable incidents”. She describes to .

Over 10 years of experience with such cases has made her wise and exposed her natural skill of counseling.

“I reached standard seven because of school fees. I heavily contribute as a counselor in most of my duties and influencing people’s perception s and attitudes in the community on children affairs.” 

She has never let education be her stumbling block in life.  But she believes if a scholarship came her way, there’s no doubt she would be a greater role model and influential in people’s lives with a higher authority to speak.

So far she has a business that keeps her clock full with managing it on the side. She owns a restaurant that further assists in funding her volunteer work on Children’s affairs.

MEMORABLE CASES

Her dedicated work has made Vice president, Kalonzo Musyoka meet her and take personal interest in children’s affairs.

“There are times my job is so overwhelming with unbearable incidents that I break down in tears.” She recalls the case that made the Vice president touched.  

She was handling a case of a 22 year old girl affected with a serious medical condition. “Her blind father would wash her daily as she was not able to bend or carry anything for herself for three years.” She explains remorsefully.

So what keeps her going?  " It’s the strength and value I have for children. I have my own to be concerned about but I take it my role to rescue those in desperate situations that make you want to fight."

She is haunted by an incident that occurred in 2004 under her duty. A one and a half year old baby was raped by her father and rescued but later died in her arms at Kenyatta National Hospital.

 The mother was also in hospital for a caesarian section for a seven month old baby.  “I was so devastated even though the father was imprisoned but later died in custody.”

FUTURE

She has noticed people in low income areas and slums have low regard for children due to tough times and life’s pressures. Her together with her colleagues take it upon themselves to train society in various communities on the significance of children.

So far the OCPD and OCS of Mihango police station in Kayole have been more than resourceful. “They give priority to children’s matters and hand in security escort and vehicles for efficient operations in handling such cases.” She says.

“We intend to start with Kayole district and move to other grass roots, where Seminars will be conducted on a regular basis. We want the parents to understand their responsibilities and roles on childrens rights, health and care.” She concludes with a smile.

The future looks bright for I am passionate with what I do, but with more support from the community and society I know children will not see teary days.

Article: Feature

If you are interested in helping neglected children contact Children's Officers on : bethmbatia@gmail.com