Meru primary school pupils turned victims of the ongoing Anti-Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza protests after they were teargassed by police.
The five had to be given prompt first aid to resuscitate them after they fainted from about four tear gass canisters lobbed by police inside the institution.
The headteacher Eva Gichuru condemned both the police and protesters for turning a learning institution into a battle ground.
“Five pupils fainted, many were all tears but we gave them first aid and they responded positively. One of the canister exploded inside a classroom as lessons continued, making many pupils lack adequate air circulation,” she said.
Friday was the third day of protests undertaken by anti-Governor Kawira Mwangaza protesters who are demanding that she vacates office following an impeachment.
The protests escalated outside the County headquarters, where police responded by lobbying teargas canisters to disperse the demonstrators.
The protests also led to significant traffic disruptions along the Makutano-Meru Town road, as frustrated residents clashed with law enforcement.
Gichuru said police later informed her that the incident was not intentional but only meant to neutralize adamant demonstrators.
“I have called the authorities who apologized and said the teargas was accidentally thrown. The protesters jumped over the fence seeking refuge.
This is when police followed to disperse them. I immediately instructed the watchman to open the gate and chase them away,” Gichuru told journalists at the school.
Gichuru appealed for calm and peace in Meru to prevail.
“We need a lot of peace. These are the things we can’t condone. I was also affected but I am okay. We have turned to victims of the ongoing protests whereas we are not part of it.
Teachers were also in the mix. All officers were ordered not to throw teargass near the school again. Everything is okay now,” Gichuru said.
Emergency responders from Red Cross provided first aid on the school grounds, while several affected students were transported to the hospital for further medical care.
