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 says they have now stabilised the unconscious children.

The protests called by the opposition over the rising cost of living, had been banned, but people took to the streets anyway, and it has now turned deadly.

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.