On Tuesday evening, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino visited two police officers, Chief Inspector David Maina and Corporal Moraa, who were seriously injured when a teargas canister exploded during peaceful demonstrations against the Finance Bill, 2024.
The officers had been deployed to manage the protesters. Transitioning to their current situation, they are now recuperating at Nairobi West Hospital, where Babu Owino paid them a visit.
“While CI Maina suffered terrible injuries, we are happy with the good work that the doctors and nurses of the Nairobi West Hospital are doing to ensure he recovers,” he said.
The Embakasi East MP further said that it was unfortunate that anyone should suffer injuries when Kenyans are exercising their democratic rights.
He urged police officers not to allow themselves to be used to suppress the freedom of Kenyans.
“It is unfortunate that anyone should suffer injuries in the exercise of citizens’ democratic rights.
“To our police brothers and sisters, these young people are fighting for you as well; do not accept to be used to stifle freedom in our beloved Kenya. This country belongs to all of us and we have no other so we must get it right.”
The teargas canister explosion occurred accidentally when the senior police officer failed to release a detonated canister, resulting in the loss of both his hands.
The female officer sustained serious chest injuries. Police explained that this canister model differs from those previously used in protests, as it has a pin that, once released, requires immediate lobbing.
This design flaw contributed to the injuries among the team.
Additionally, several other police officers and protesters sustained injuries during the protests, some from flying canisters lobbed by anti-riot officers. The protests disrupted businesses in the city center as police engaged various groups in running battles.
