Students Scamper as Police Deploy Tear Gas Inside Coast Girls High School
On Wednesday, June 19, at Coast Girls High School in Mombasa County, classes were disrupted when a police officer reportedly discharged a tear gas canister within the school premises. The tear gas was fired as police clashed with protestors opposing the Finance Bill 2024.
Chaos ensued as students were seen rushing around the school compound engulfed in smoke. Videos reviewed by Teachersupdates.news showed an individual inside the school questioning the rationale behind firing the tear gas during school hours.
Additionally, cries for help were heard from students who appeared to be distressed by the tear gas, with some fainting and needing to be carried out for medical attention.
Some students sustained injuries, although the school has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident. The footage and photos of students seeking help quickly went viral online, sparking widespread condemnation from Kenyans who criticized the police for causing harm to innocent students.
Advocates have urged police officers to respect protestors’ constitutional right to picket and to refrain from injuring or harassing innocent citizens.
Despite this, Mombasa Central Police Station Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Peter Mugambi had declared the protests illegal and denied approving a formal application filed by Mombasa residents for the demonstrations.
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Mugambi stressed the need for peaceful conduct, advising that any intent to protest should be formally communicated to his office.
The protests against the Finance Bill 2024 began on Tuesday with the launch of the Occupy Parliament movement, leading to demonstrations across Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
The previous day’s protests resulted in over 200 arrests and several injuries, including a police officer.
Students Scamper as Police Deploy Tear Gas Inside Coast Girls High School
