Officers Injured After Teargas Explodes During Finance Bill Protests
Incident Overview
Two police officers were seriously injured in Nairobi during anti-Finance Bill protests after a teargas canister exploded on them. The incident, which occurred due to an error by a senior officer, resulted in severe injuries.
Details of the Incident
Chief Inspector David Maina, one of the officers deployed to manage the protests, was handling a teargas canister outside Kencom, opposite International Life House. He delayed releasing the detonated canister, which exploded and severely injured him, causing the loss of both forearms. A second female officer standing next to him sustained serious chest injuries.
Both officers were rushed to Nairobi West Hospital, where Maina underwent surgery. Officials indicated that Maina might require artificial arms due to the extent of his injuries.
Description of the Canister
The teargas canister in question is a different model from what the police had previously used. This model has a pin that must be released before lobbing the canister. The delay in releasing the canister after detonation led to the injuries.
Protests and Injuries
The protests in Nairobi’s city center led to several other injuries among police officers and protesters. Flying canisters lobbed by anti-riot officers caused some of these injuries. The protests disrupted businesses as police engaged in running battles with the protesters.
Arrests and Condemnations
Police arrested dozens of protesters, who were later released following orders from higher authorities. Human rights organizations condemned the arrests and demanded the protesters’ release. Lawyers attempting to secure their release were also teargassed.
Protests’ Organization
The protests were highly organized and mobilized online, making them more united and effective in their actions.
Conclusion
The incident highlights the dangers and complexities faced by law enforcement during public protests. The injuries to the officers underscore the need for careful handling of crowd control devices to prevent such tragic accidents.
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