A police officer who lost both hands when a teargas canister exploded in his hands may need artificial arms, according to a medical report.
This was after a teargas canister exploded in his hands before he could unleash it at protesters who were demonstrating against Finance Bill at Nairobi’s CBD on Tuesday June 18, 2024.
According to the police report, Chief Inspector David Maina detonated a teargas canister during the protest, but delayed releasing it, causing it to explode and severely injuring both of his hands. As a result, he lost both forearms in the incident.
His female colleague, who was standing nearby, sustained serious chest injuries. They were quickly taken to Nairobi West Hospital, where Maina underwent immediate surgery.
Officials indicated that Chief Inspector David Maina required a serious operation and potentially needed his hands replaced due to the extent of his injuries from the teargas canister explosion.
“He may need artificial arms,” said an officer aware of the incident.
Police clarified that the teargas canister involved in the incident is distinct from the ones typically used during past protests.
“This model has a pin which if released one has to lob the canister. That is why it hurt the team,” mentioned an officer.
During the protests, numerous police officers and protesters suffered injuries, with some hit by teargas canisters thrown by anti-riot officers.
The demonstrations caused disruptions to businesses in the city center as police clashed with various groups throughout the area.
The protesters, mobilized online, demonstrated a unified and organized movement. Police initially arrested dozens of protesters, but they were later released following orders from authorities.
Several human rights organizations criticized the arrests and called for the immediate release of the detainees.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) had also issued a stern warning to Nairobi Region Police Commander Adamson Bungei, accusing him of interfering with protests against the Finance Bill 2024 within Nairobi.
