A policeman in Nairobi, Kenya, lost both of his hands when the teargas canister he wanted to throw at the crowd protesting the new finance bill exploded on him.
The accident happened during demonstrations dubbed “Occupy Parliament” by the people who wanted the government to abandon its new finance bill which included a 16% tax on bread and an annual 2.5% tax on vehicles. The people lamented that the move would raise the cost of living beyond the means of the people who are already struggling to make ends meet.
During the protest, Inspector David Maina, attached to the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), was facing off with protesters in the Nairobi city center on Tuesday, June 18. He wanted to throw a tear gas canister at the crowd to dispel them, but it accidentally exploded while he was still holding it in his hand.
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Kenya’s President William Ruto suspended the move and promised to engage the youths to address their concerns.
“The courage and unity that our youth have exhibited in the management of our country’s affairs is encouraging.
“We will engage them to discuss their concerns and build a better Kenya for everyone,” he said.
A 29-year-old man, Rex Kanyike Masai, was also killed during the nationwide protest. The unarmed protester was shot by the police and taken to Bliss Hospital along Nairobi’s Moi Avenue where he was pronounced dead.
According to the Kenya Red Cross, 39 people were injured during Thursday’s protests, and eight of them were in critical condition.
Amnesty International reported that some police officers hadbeen using firearmsand claimed over 100 people were arrested on Thursday.
