Residents of Mtwapa were shocked when police accidentally discharged tear gas canisters inside Mtwapa Sub County Hospital during Tuesday’s demonstrations. According to witnesses, police were addressing rioters near the Chief’s Office, not far from the hospital, when tear gas canisters were fired toward the group.
Two canisters reportedly landed inside the maternity ward and clinic areas, causing concern and tension among patients and staff. Those affected at the maternity ward expressed strong
“This is a health facility and it’s well marked. There are many patients here, we didn’t go out to riot. Why are they doing this to us, yet we have newborn children, and expectant mothers here in the maternity ward,” said Miriam Wambui, a resident of Mtwapa.
The remorseful OCPD reportedly visited the facility and collected the remnants of the tear gas canisters that had exploded. He apologized to the affected patients, the hospital administration, and the staff present. The OCPD also had a discussion with the hospital administrator before leaving the premises.
On Tuesday, protests erupted in various areas across Kenya as citizens expressed their discontent over the Finance Bill 2024, which has since been withdrawn. Riots were reported in Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, Migori, Kisii, Machakos, Trans Nzoia, and other parts of the country.
