Teargas Chaos in Meru: 5 Pupils Collapse as Protests Against Governor Escalate.

Five pupils collapsed on Friday, August 30, after police officers lobbed teargas canisters inside Meru Primary School in Meru County. The officers were responding to demonstrations against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza when the canisters ended up inside the school premises.

Teachers at Meru Primary School immediately provided first aid to the affected pupils. Some of the pupils were rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance for further medical attention.

The school’s headteacher, Eva Gichuru, condemned the incident, stating that approximately four teargas canisters were thrown into the school compound. She pointed out that one canister even landed inside a classroom while students were attending their lessons.

Gichuru clarified that the incident appeared to be accidental, explaining that some protestors, in an attempt to escape the police, jumped over the school fence, inadvertently leading the officers to fire the tear gas towards the school. “It was unfortunate; there were about four tear gas canisters. Some entered the classroom where the children were. But it was accidental because some protesters jumped and entered the school,” she said.

The protests by Meru residents have intensified in recent weeks, demanding Governor Mwangaza’s resignation following her impeachment. On August 20, the Senate upheld her impeachment on grounds of gross violation of the Constitution, misconduct, and abuse of office. However, the High Court temporarily suspended her removal, allowing her to file a petition challenging the decision.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.