Pupils of Kihumbuini Primary School in Kangemi fainted on Wednesday, July 12, after being teargassed by anti-riot police officers who were dispersing protesters.
Reports indicated that the pupils, who were on a break and playing in the school compound, were caught in the crossfire between the police and residents accused of looting local shops.
Emergency service providers who responded to teachers' frantic calls dispatched an ambulance to the school to assess the students and administer first aid.
"The pupils who were teargassed were not even part of the ongoing anti-government mass actions," an eyewitness lamented.
A Kangemi resident who spoke to Kenyans.co.ke further alleged that the pupils developed complications, forcing the medics to ferry some to nearby hospitals.
After keenly assessing their situations, doctors directed some pupils to be admitted for close monitoring while others were treated and discharged immediately.
The source added that a contingent of police officers was deployed to Kangemi after rowdy youth allegedly broke into butcheries and walked away with meat.
"Other stalls and shops were also raided as suspects took advantage of the ongoing anti-government demonstrations. Kangemi is unsafe. Some of us retreated into our homes after we were overwhelmed by the teargas," the resident disclosed.
Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga on Wednesday, July 12, called off the planned Kamukunji Grounds rally, claiming that the police had made it hard for his supporters to gather peacefully.
However, Raila noted that he would not relent until President William Ruto meets their demands, including amending contentious sections of the Finance Act, 2023.
"It will be trial by fire many times, but we have been through trial by fire before. So, we soldier on. As Kenyans, we have a duty to liberate ourselves as we have always done. It has never been easy. It will not be easy, but it has to be done.
"With unity and commitment, we will force Ruto to give Kenyans a good deal. We will shortly communicate the third wave and next course of action," Raila urged his supporters.
Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome had, on Tuesday, July 11, warned that one unauthorised protest would be vehemently quelled.
In a statement, Koome accused Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga of planning unlawful demonstrations culminating in violence.
"Consequently, and in the interest of national security, the National Police Service wishes to inform the public that 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, police have no other option but to take necessary measures to disperse all illegal demonstrations.
"In this regard, no such demonstrations/gatherings/protests will be allowed since no such notification has been presented to any police station. All lawful means will be used to disperse such demonstrations," Koome ordered.
Pro-government politicians also called for the arrest of Raila and his allies.
