Police officers fired in the air and lobbed tear gas canisters at vendors protesting the destruction of their make-shift kiosks at Ndurarua Primary School in Kawangware, Dagoretti North.
On the Friday morning incident, at least two tear gas canisters reportedly went off within the school’s compound, causing a commotion as students and teachers alike scurried for safety.
Following the incident, approximately 35 students reportedly lost consciousness.
According to John Njuguna, the school’s PTA Chair, the affected students were rushed to Mediheal, Riruta, Eagle, and Melchizedek hospitals, where they are currently recovering.
According to sources, three of the students are on oxygen support; one is at Melchizedek and the other two are at Eagle Hospital in Kawangware.
Njuguna also stated that the school reached out to parents to come and collect their children following the incident, noting that the institution attempted to bar parents from entering the school grounds at first but were overwhelmed by their large numbers.
During the fracas, one of the protesters was also shot and injured, with the demonstrators claiming that they had not been served with eviction notices.
“They had not served us with any notices; police just started attacking people and one of us was shot and injured as a result,” Sospeter Muchiri, a resident, said.
They also accused the police of indiscriminately attacking area residents.
“We want to know what law allows for the demolition of property and harassing common mwananchi who work hard every day to make ends meet?” Muchiri posed.
the protests led to disruption of transport along Naivasha Road, Nairobi, after disgruntled traders engaged police officers in running battles.
The protest also affected adjacent roads leading to Riruta, Wanye and other parts of Kiambu County.
