In an emotional recount, Chief Inspector David Maina has shared the harrowing experience that changed his life forever.

The officer, who lost both hands during the protests against the 2024 Finance Bill, described the event as one of the most devastating moments of his career. The protests, which saw widespread unrest in Nairobi and the rest of the country, left Maina facing the unimaginable.

Maina, a seasoned officer with the Rapid Deployment Unit, was preparing to deploy a teargas canister—standard equipment for crowd control—when an unexpected explosion left him gravely injured. The device, meant to disperse protesters, detonated in his hands, causing catastrophic injuries.

“It was not meant to kill or hurt anyone; it was meant to produce a loud sound to encourage the crowd to disperse,” Maina explained in an exclusive interview with TV47. “People have been saying many things, accusing me of trying to harm the protesters, but that was never my intention. The canister was meant to maintain order, not hurt or kill anyone.”

Some critics accused the police of using excessive force. Maina himself became the target of scrutiny, with suggestions that he mishandled the canister or acted recklessly. However, Maina dismissed these sentiments, calling them uninformed.

“We ignore some of these criticisms because they come from people who don’t know what really happened. For me, I have to ignore the negativity. I’ve seen the comments on social media, but there are also those who sympathize with me and support me,” he told TV47’s Senior Reporter Lenox Sengre

The tragic incident occurred in the heart of Nairobi, just as Maina was preparing to throw the teargas canister. What should have been a routine police procedure quickly turned into a nightmare.

“Initially, there was a problem removing the pin. When it finally got off, I just saw darkness. I don’t know what happened, because this is something I’ve been trained to do. I refer to it as just an accident,” Maina shared.

‘My life changed’

The sudden explosion shocked Maina’s family and colleagues. An experienced officer with years in managing volatile situations, Maina admits the incident has left him dependent on others for daily tasks he once performed with ease. Despite the profound impact on his life, he remains hopeful, relying on counseling and medical treatment to adapt to his new reality.

“I’ve had to learn to ask for help in areas where I used to be independent, but my family has been my biggest source of support,” he said. “I’m focusing on healing, both mentally and physically, and I believe I will get better with time.”

As he continues his recovery, the police service and the public have rallied around him, offering financial support and encouragement. His colleagues, some of whom witnessed the incident firsthand, have praised his resilience and courage in the face of such adversity.

Maina has also expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from his loved ones. “My family has been incredible. Others have helped transfer my children to a new school, provided financial assistance, and given me the emotional support I needed to get through this.”

Looking ahead, Chief Inspector Maina remains focused on rehabilitation and finding new ways to contribute to the police force. While the accident has altered the trajectory of his career, his determination to serve remains unshaken.

“I still have a purpose,” he affirmed. “I may not be able to do things the way I used to, but I’m ready to find new ways to serve and make a difference.”