Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Visits Cop Who Lost Arms After Teargas Explosion
On Tuesday evening, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino visited two police officers who were seriously injured when a teargas canister exploded during the ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests against the Finance Bill of 2024.
These officers, Chief Inspector David Maina and Corporal Moraa were part of the force deployed to manage the demonstrators.
The injured officers are currently being treated at Nairobi West Hospital, where Owino expressed his gratitude to the medical staff for their diligent care and wished the officers a speedy recovery.
In his statement, Owino highlighted the severe injuries sustained by Chief Inspector Maina but praised the medical professionals at Nairobi West Hospital for their efforts in ensuring his recovery.
He emphasized the unfortunate nature of the incident, pointing out that such injuries should not occur while Kenyans are exercising their democratic rights.
Owino also addressed the police, urging them not to be used as instruments to suppress the freedoms of the Kenyan people.
He stressed that the protesters were advocating for the rights of all citizens, including the police, and called for unity and understanding, emphasizing that Kenya belongs to everyone and that it is crucial to get things right for the nation’s future.
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The explosion of the teargas canister was an accident, occurring when Chief Inspector Maina failed to release the detonated canister in time, resulting in severe injuries that led to the loss of his hands.
Police Constable Mildred Amoit, who was near him during the explosion, sustained minor chest injuries and is also receiving treatment at the same hospital.
The ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests were organized to pressure Members of Parliament to reject the Finance Bill 2024. In response to the public outcry, President William Ruto withdrew some of the controversial proposals in the bill on Tuesday.
After six hours of discussions at the State House, the President agreed to amend the bill, removing the VAT on bread and taxes on motor vehicles, imported diapers, and sanitary towels.
Additionally, the proposed tax increase on mobile money transfers and bank transactions, which would have raised the excise duty from 15 percent to 20 percent, was also removed.
Despite these concessions, the protest organizers have announced plans for further demonstrations across the country, starting in Mombasa on June 19, followed by protests in Eldoret, Laikipia, and other towns.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino Visits Cop Who Lost Arms After Teargas Explosion