Doctors at the Nairobi West Hospital have confirmed that police officer David Maina has been permanently disabled after losing both his arms in a tear gas canister explosion during the “Occupy Parliament” protests against the Finance Bill 2024 in Nairobi.

Maina, who was on duty on the fateful day trying to maintain order during the protests, detonated a tear gas canister but delayed releasing it, causing it to explode in his hands.

He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors confirmed that his injuries were life-changing and that he may need prosthetic arms to live a somewhat normal life.

The hospital’s Chief Doctor Prakash Sain said Inspector Maina sustained serious 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 which can heal him now,” said Dr. Sain.

Inspector Maina Recounts the Incident

Inspector David Maina, speaking to local media from his hospital bed, recounted the horrific incident, expressing regret over the incident and its impact on his life.

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“It was a sad day that this happened, as we were trying to ensure calmness in Nairobi. This has changed my life a lot because there are many things that 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 said.

He, however, expressed optimism noting that he would soldier on despite this major setback.

“This is the reality, it is a fact and so I’ll adjust accordingly, and I know life will continue as before.”

The inspector also delivered a message from his hospital bed to protestors urging them to adhere to instructions from police during protests so as to avoid similar incidences.

“Even if we have protests because it’s allowed in the Constitution, when people are told by police not to move in a particular direction because of certain reasons let them adhere.”

Alfred Mutua & Adamson Bungei Visit David Maina

Maina’s injuries are not the only ones reported during the protests. Another female officer, Constable Mildred Emoit Elisha, lies next ward in the same hospital after she suffered wounds on her chest.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary (CS) Dr. Alfred Mutua and Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei visited the officers on Thursday to show solidarity.

Also Read: Alfred Mutua Gifts Ksh1M to Cop Who Lost His Hands During Protests, Lectures Kenyans

CS Mutua condemned the protests over the Bill, claiming that the protesters have been coerced by civil society groups that seek donor funding.

“Out of the protests that have happened, two police officers are in 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 the CS.

During the hospital visit, he also expressed concern over the escalating disrespect toward Law Enforcement Officers.

He highlighted the Paradox that demonstrators in moments of distress often turn to these very officers for assistance.

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