A police officer was among the seriously wounded Kenyans yesterday as the nation witnessed mass protests in the capital city Nairobi called over excessive taxation.
Chief Inspector David Maina delayed in lobbying the canister after removing the pin from the Teargas resulting in the explosion that blew out both his hands and seriously injured another female colleague on the chest.
The incident occurred outside Kencom House on the side opposite International Life House as the police engaged protesters in running battles.
Both Inspector Maina and the unidentified female officer were rushed to Nairobi West hospital but a police report later stated that Maina lost both forearms in the incident.
His female colleague who was standing next to him during the detonation was operated on and has been reported to be in a stable condition.
Maina will have to be amputated and possibly fitted with prosthetics.
“He may need artificial arms,” said an officer privy to the incident.
Police explained the canister in question is different from the one that police have been using in past protests.
“This model has a pin which if released one has to lob the canister. That is why it hurt the team,” said an officer.
During the protests several other police officers and protesters sustained injuries.
Some were hit by flying canisters that were lobbed by anti-riot officers.
The protests paralysed businesses in the city centre as police engaged different groups in running battles.
The protesters had been mobilised online and their movement became united and organised.
Police said dozens of protesters were arrested but later released. This followed an order from what officials said emanated from above.
Many human rights organisations condemned the arrests and demanded their unconditional release. Members of the Law Society of Kenya held vigil outside the Central Police Station until late in the evening when all protesters were released.
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