Parents have been urged to ensure they monitor their children during this festive season to protect them from abuse.
Speaking in her office on Tuesday, Thika children’s officer Mrs Rebecca Kariuki urged parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children and make sure they do not go astray.
Kariuki said children should be protected from abuse and being lured into indulgence in bad things like wild parties that are held during the Christmas holiday.
"Children are often misled and misused during the December holidays and parents should solidly fight this through all means. Parents should limit their freedom of movement to ensure their safety," Kariuki said.
She further said parents should closely monitor their children to ensure they do not find their way to bars and restaurants as any minor found drinking in a pub will be arrested and prosecuted. She added that cases of students drinking during the festive season are common and the necessary measures should be taken.
She said that any parent caught neglecting his or her kid will be firmly dealt with according to the law.
"Let no one mistreat a kid because the law will severely deal with him or her. We should protect and celebrate our kids during the festivities," Kariuki said.