Outrage as Video Appears to Show Adults Giving Alcohol to Schoolboys

A viral video appearing to show adults giving alcohol to schoolboys has triggered calls for an investigation in Kenya.

A viral video appearing to show adults giving an alcoholic drink to schoolboys in uniform has sparked outrage and calls for an investigation in Kenya.

The 25-second video, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a group of schoolboys gathered in what appears to be a residential area, surrounded by several adults.

In the footage, an adult man wearing a white jersey and grey trousers appears to pass a bottle containing an alcoholic drink to one of the boys. The pupil, who is wearing a school uniform, is seen taking a drink from the bottle while several adults watch.

Another man wearing a red polo shirt is also seen nearby as the interaction takes place.

Some of the adults can be heard speaking to the children in Kiswahili. One man appears to encourage the boy to swallow the drink, while another is heard discouraging the interaction.

At another point, a man appears to warn the boys against telling others about what happened.

The footage has prompted widespread criticism online, with social media users calling for the individuals involved to be identified and investigated by Kenyan authorities.

The video was reportedly first shared on Instagram by an account identified as @eganz.a. The account has since reportedly been deleted.

Following the circulation of the footage, social media users tagged Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and National Police Service, urging authorities to establish where the incident occurred and identify those involved.

The incident has also renewed concerns about the exposure of children to alcohol and the responsibility of adults to protect minors from harmful substances.

What Kenyan law says

Kenya's Children Act, 2022, contains specific provisions protecting children from exposure to alcohol and other harmful substances.

Section 24 of the Act provides that no person shall subject a child to the use of alcohol, tobacco products, narcotics, psychotropic drugs or other substances declared harmful by the relevant authorities. A person who contravenes the provision may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of not less than KSh500,000, or both.

The Alcoholic Drinks Control Act also prohibits knowingly selling, supplying or providing an alcoholic drink to a person under 18. Section 28 provides for a fine of up to KSh150,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, subject to the conditions set out in the law.

The circumstances shown in the video could therefore raise child-protection and alcohol-control concerns if the footage is verified and the individuals involved are identified.

As of publication, Shemariah Media has not independently verified the location of the incident, the identities of the individuals shown, or whether Kenyan authorities have opened a formal investigation.

The video has nevertheless generated significant public concern, with many Kenyans calling for authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the footage and take appropriate action if any offences are confirmed.