Gov’t says police did not throw tear gas canister into school compound, as 495 children yet to report back

Two days after the New Kihumbuini Primary Schoolwas teargassed during protests against the high cost of living, the school's population is yet to return to normal.

On Friday, 495 children out of the 2,333 who go to school there did not show up for learning.

Even for those who reported to school, the effects of that traumatic event continue to be felt; three children had to be taken to hospital after they fainted, their minders say they are now easily triggered by any loud noise.

They joined one other student and teacher still receiving medical attention for injuries suffered during the Wednesday chaos.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, on a tour of the school two days after the fracas, termed the teargas incident unfortunate.

Whereas locals say the teargas canister was allegedly thrown into the classroom by police officers who were dispersing residents who turned up for the opposition protests, CS Machogu appears to have a different version.

While urging the security agencies to be wary of how they use their crowd control tools, he also cautioned against what he termed as mischief from members of the public participating in the protests.

“we have information that the teargas canister was not lobbed into the school, but outside...some naughty person decided to pick it and throw it into the school compound,” he said.

The CS said learning in schools will not be disrupted despite the opposition's pledge to intensify the protests next week; instead he said the government will enhance security for learners.

The assurance comes as more organisations walked into the debate on the violence meted on the school going children on Wednesday.

The United Nations Children Education Fund (Unicef) in a statement said it is concerned about "the reports of children being exposed to tear gas and other dangers present in large crowds,” terming them alarming.

Unicef appealed to all involved parties to undertake necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of children.

The children education fund said children should never be exposed to harm, and their fundamental right to education must be safeguarded.