- Chaos erupted at Coast Girls High School in Mombasa when a tear gas canister, thrown by police amidst protests against the finance bill, landed in the school compound
- Students fled classrooms in panic as the canister emitted smoke, disrupting learning for hours
- In a video that showed students scrambling to safety, teachers could be heard in the background criticizing the police action
Chaos ensued and learning was disrupted for hours after a tear gas canister, thrown by police officers, landed inside the compound of Coast Girls High School during protests against the passing of the finance bill in Mombasa.
The incident occurred as police attempted to control thousands of demonstrators gathered in various parts of the coastal city.
A video capturing the moment shows the canister falling onto the school’s assembly ground, releasing a large plume of smoke that penetrated classrooms.
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Students panicked, screaming and rushing out of their classrooms, causing widespread disorder and halting educational activities.
Teachers also hurried outside to investigate the source of the disturbance, their voices audible in the background of the video condemning the police action of throwing a canister into the school.
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It remains unclear whether any students were injured, but the video vividly portrays students scrambling and inadvertently trampling each other as they fled their rooms.
Proposed Reforms Stir Controversy, Protests
The introduction of the Finance Bill 2024 has sparked widespread debate and unrest across the nation.
The bill, presented by the government last week, aims to enact sweeping reforms in taxation and fiscal policy, setting the stage for intense parliamentary deliberations and public demonstrations.
Key provisions of the Finance Bill 2024 include significant changes to income tax brackets, corporate tax rates, and incentives aimed at stimulating economic growth.
Supporters of the bill argue that these reforms are crucial for revitalizing the economy, attracting investment, and creating jobs in sectors grappling with post-pandemic recovery.
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However, the proposed reforms have met fierce opposition from various quarters, including opposition parties, trade unions, and advocacy groups.
Critics argue that the bill disproportionately benefits large corporations and the wealthy while imposing heavier burdens on middle and lower-income households.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential impact on public services and social welfare programs.