Police Officer Loses Both Arms in Teargas Explosion During Occupy Parliament Protests
A police officer lost both his arms on Tuesday afternoon when a teargas canister exploded during the chaotic Occupy Parliament protests.
A police report filed at the Central Police Station under ‘Injury to a police officer’ stated that a Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) officer named David Maina accidentally detonated a teargas canister and delayed its release, causing the injury.
Several videos shared online, believed to show the incident, depicted the officer enveloped in a thick cloud of smoke.
Officers familiar with the case reported that both of his arms were severely injured at the wrist.
He was quickly transported to Nairobi West Hospital for surgery following the incident.
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Two other officers from the Embakasi and Tassia police posts were also injured in the chest by the teargas canister and received treatment at Nairobi West Hospital.
The Occupy Parliament protests, which began early Tuesday morning, rapidly turned into a riot as police clashed with protesters who flooded the streets and alleys to voice their objections.
The protests were driven by Kenyans’ strong opposition to the controversial Finance Bill 2024, which they urged legislators to reject due to excessive taxation.
In response, the National Assembly has scheduled a special session to debate the Finance Bill 2024 before voting on it on Tuesday.
This special session agreed upon during a Tuesday sitting, will see legislators convene for an additional meeting on Thursday starting at 9 a.m.
The motion for the special session was introduced by Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah after receiving approval from the House Business Committee.
Police Officer Loses Both Arms in Teargas Explosion During Occupy Parliament Protests