The Ministry of Interior has come under scrutiny regarding the chemical composition of the tear gas and colored liquid that police used in water cannons to disperse protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations. In a letter dated July 30, lawyers from Mugeria, Lempaa, and Kariuki Advocates requested information from Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, specifically asking for the chemical formula of the tear gas and details about its origin.
“What is the chemical formula of the tear gas and the water canon used by the police to disperse protestors? From which countries the tear gas used by the police is imported?” it reads.
Further, the lawyers want the government to explain whether the tear gas has side effects on their reproductive health and if it has been approved and certified as safe by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. (KEBS)
“How much money was spent on teargas in the 2023/24 financial year?” the letter adds.
“Kindly note that as a consumer of these chemicals time is of the essence in providing the information sought in this letter. Please provide the requested information as soon as possible.”
During the recent demos which began against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and later against the government, police were criticised for excessive use of force on unarmed protesters.
