Seven injured after police clash with varsity students in Machakos

By Victor Nzuma

Machakos, Kenya: Several people were injured Tuesday following a stampede after police and students from Machakos University College clashed.

Anti-riot police descended on the more than 500 students who were protesting against alleged government's plans to increase fees when a fierce confrontation ensued.

Police fired severally in the air as well and lobbed teargas canisters to the rowdy students who also hauled stones at the officers.

Some of those injured included passers-by caught in the melee.

The students started the demonstration match from the college at about 9am towards Machakos town blocking the Machakos- Makueni road.

On arrival at the town centre, they met a contingent of regular and administration police officers who descended on them moments after they defied order to return to college.

Residents were also affected as they were beaten up when the students intermingled with them.

However, Machakos OCPD Hillary Birgen said no one was seriously injured or there were no bullet casualties.

He said those injured were hurt while escaping.