Police Officer Who Lost Both Arms In Anti-Finance Bill Protest Teargas Explosion Narrates His Agony
A police officer who lost both arms during anti-Finance Bill protests on Tuesday is recovering at Nairobi West Hospital.
Inspector David Maina, speaking to Citizen TV from his hospital bed on Thursday, recounted the horrific incident in Nairobi’s CBD with remarkable composure.
Maina, along with his colleagues, was on duty to maintain order during the ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests when he accidentally detonated a tear gas canister that exploded in his hands due to a delay in releasing it.
The father of three, who supported his family through his police service, now faces a completely altered life after losing both forearms in the incident.
He expressed regret over the incident, acknowledging the profound impact it will have on his life and the difficulty his family, especially his children, will face in coming to terms with his new reality.
“It was a tragic day as we were trying to keep peace in Nairobi. My life has changed drastically because there are many things I can no longer do, and I’m uncertain how to explain this to my children. They will be very shocked,” he recounted.
Medics at the hospital say his injuries will necessitate life-altering changes, including the possible need for prosthetic arms to enable a semblance of normalcy.
The hospital’s Chief Doctor Prakash Sain stated that Inspector Maina’s injuries were severe and beyond the scope of any corrective surgery or treatment.
“He has lost both his hands, and while primary treatment has been administered, no surgery or treatment can restore the damage,” said Dr. Sain.
ALSO READ:
- Rift Valley Leaders Defend President Ruto Amid Protests, Accuse Opponents of Civilian Coup Plot
- Senator Paul Karungo Urges President Ruto: Embrace TikTok to Connect with Gen-Z, X-Space Kuna Matusi Mingi Sana
- Details of President Ruto’s Talks with IMF Chief on Finance Bill 2024 Withdrawal
- Ksh.87,000 Daily For Uganda Trip: How Much Kenyan Public Officers Are Paid Per Day For Foreign Travel
- Senior Police Officer Shoots Himself Dead
In addition to Inspector Maina’s critical injuries, another female officer, Constable Mildred Emoit Elisha, is also hospitalized with chest wounds in the adjacent ward.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, along with Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, visited the officers on Thursday to show their support.
CS Mutua criticized the protests over the Bill, accusing civil society groups of coercing participants to secure donor funding.
He asserted that these groups are now exploiting Generation Z to further their agenda.
“As a result of the protests, two police officers are in the hospital, while no demonstrator was injured. Our police have shown restraint, recognizing that these are young people being exploited, and have taken no action against them,” said CS Mutua.
“These protesters seek violence as it benefits them financially. They want to create chaos to secure funding from abroad through proposals. I see these activists in clubs, and they are broke,” he added.
Police Officer Who Lost Both Arms In Anti-Finance Bill Protest Teargas Explosion Narrates His Agony