Did police teargas children at Uhuru event in Vihiga?
Police have dismissed reports on social media indicating that two children were injured in a commotion at a function attended by President Uhuru Kenyatta in Vihiga County on Sunday.
Western region police coordinator Moses Ombati said officers manning a gate at Kaimosi Teachers College complex lobbed teargas to disperse rowdy youths after they tried to force their way in without being frisked.
“It is at that point that police officers lobbed a teargas canister to disperse the rowdy youth but no one was injured as it is being speculated on social media,” said Mr Ombati, adding that they appeared to have been on a mission to cause trouble.
UNNECESSARY PANIC
He said those spreading the reports were out to mislead the public and cause unnecessary panic.
“Our officers had to act and bring the situation under control to ensure everybody entering the venue was thoroughly frisked for security reasons,” said Mr Ombati.
More drama unfolded shortly before President Kenyatta left when a group of youths started chanting the opposition slogan “Nasa hao” as they trooped out of the function but no ugly incidents were reported.
Security officers quickly swung into action and cleared the way for the presidential convoy which was headed to Kakamega.