BBC
Fifty-three children have been rushed to hospital in Nairobi after tear gas was thrown into their class by police during protests.
Dr Aron Shikuku from Eagle Nursing Home hospital told the BBC they have now stabilised the unconscious children.
There have been demonstrations around the country called by the opposition over the rising cost of living, but they’ve turned deadly.
At least three people have reportedly been killed.
Two people died after protesters set fire to a police station, while another died during an attack on a police van along the Nairobi Expressway on the outskirts of the city, reports say.
The protests had been banned, but people took to the streets anyway, such is the anger amongst some Kenyans about the rising cost of living and a new finance bill – which includes tax increases.
The controversial hikes include the doubling of fuel taxes and the imposition of a 1.5% levy on all employees to fund new houses.
The government says the hikes are essential to pay off debts and create job opportunities for young people but the law has been suspended by a court over constitutional concerns.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who was defeated by Mr Ruto in last year’s election, has been pressing the government to reverse the tax hikes, calling for civil disobedience last month and describing those who want to implement the finance bill as “traitors”.
An opposition rally had been scheduled for Wednesday, but Mr Odinga called it off, saying he wanted to avert further violence.
Policing boss Japhet Koome said on Tuesday that “all lawful means” would be used to disperse the demonstrations, the AFP news agency reports.
These latest protests come just a few days after several people were killed during anti-government demonstrations last Friday, in which human rights groups accused the Kenyan police of using excessive force.
