On Wednesday, July 12, students at Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi passed out after anti-riot police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
According to reports, students who were on a break and playing in the schoolyard were caught in the crossfire between the police and locals who were allegedly robbing local businesses.
In response to teachers’ anxious calls, emergency care providers sent an ambulance to the school to evaluate the pupils and offer first assistance.
An eyewitness remarked, “The students who were teargassed were not even participating in the ongoing anti-government mass actions.”
According to a Kangemi resident who spoke with Kenyans.co.ke, the students allegedly experienced issues, which required the medical staff to transport some of them to local hospitals.
Doctors carefully evaluated each student’s circumstances before directing some to be admitted for intensive monitoring and others to receive treatment and be released right away.
According to the source, after a group of boisterous adolescents allegedly smashed into butcher shops and stole meat, police were dispatched to Kangemi.
“As suspects took advantage of the continuing anti-government protests, other stalls and establishments were also searched. It’s risky in Kangemi. After being overpowered by the teargas, some of us retreated into our homes, the resident admitted.
Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, cancelled the planned protest at Kamukunji Grounds on Wednesday, July 12, blaming the police for making it difficult for his followers to get together peacefully.
Raila emphasised that he would not give in unless President William Ruto complied with their demands, which included changing the Finance Act of 2023’s controversial passages.
“There will be many trials by fire, but we have survived trials by fire before. So we keep going. As Kenyans, it is our responsibility to continue our tradition of self-liberation. Never has it been simple. It won’t be simple, but it must be accomplished.
Pupils Hospitalised After Police Teargas School
“We will compel Ruto to offer Kenyans a fair deal if we act in unison and with dedication. Raila exhorted his fans, “We will soon announce the third wave and next course of action.
On Tuesday, July 11, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome issued a warning that one unapproved protest will be fiercely put down.
In a statement, Koome charged Raila Odinga, the leader of Azimio la Umoja, with organising illegal protests that will end in violence.
“As a result, and in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that police have no choice but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations in the absence of notifications by planners of any demonstrations as a legal prerequisite to enable police to provide adequate security to demonstrators and the public.
Since no such notification has been sent to any police station, no such rallies, meetings, or protests will be permitted in this regard. Such demonstrations shall be dispersed using all legal measures, Koome commanded.
Politicians who support the government have also demanded the detention of Raila and his allies.
