Photo: Courtesy
A police officer who lost both arms during the anti-Finance Bill protests on Tuesday is recovering at Nairobi West Hospital.
Inspector David Maina, appearing in good spirits from his hospital bed on Thursday, recounted the harrowing incident to this publication. He explained that he and his fellow officers were on duty to maintain order during the ‘Occupy Parliament’ protests in Nairobi’s CBD when he unexpectedly detonated a tear gas canister. Unfortunately, he delayed releasing it, causing it to explode in his hands.
He expressed deep regret over the incident, acknowledging that it had drastically altered his life and would be difficult for his family, particularly his children, to accept.
“It was a sad day when this happened, as we were trying to ensure calmness in Nairobi. It has changed my life significantly because there are many things I won’t be able to do, and I also don’t know what I will tell my kids about this; they will be very shocked,” he recounted.
Medics at the hospital have indicated that the injuries he sustained are life-changing and that he may need prosthetic arms to help him lead a somewhat normal life. The hospital’s Chief Doctor, Prakash Sain, confirmed that Inspector Maina suffered severe injuries and that no treatment or corrective surgery can restore the damage.
“He had lost both his hands; the primary treatment has been done, but with the kind of injury he has, there is no surgery or treatment that can heal him now,” said Dr. Sain.
In addition to Inspector Maina’s severe injuries, another female officer, Constable Mildred Emoit Elisha, is in the next ward at the same hospital after sustaining chest wounds.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, along with Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei, visited the officers on Thursday to show solidarity.
CS Mutua condemned the protests against the Finance Bill, claiming that the protesters had been coerced by civil society groups seeking donor funding.
He claims that these groups are now using Generation Z to further their agenda.
“Out of the protests that have happened, two police officers are in the hospital, and not a single demonstrator was injured. Our police have shown their restraint; they have looked and seen these are children who are being used and have not done anything,” said CS Mutua.
“These protesters want violence because that is where they benefit. They want to cause some violence so they can write proposals and get money from abroad… they are broke. I see these activists in clubs, and they are broke, Hawana pesa.”
