David Maina, a chief inspector of police attached to the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU) dismissed claims that he wanted to harm protesters during the anti-finance bill protests 2024 on Tuesday June 18.
In a media interview, Maina said his intention was only to disperse the crowd.
“The stun grenade was not meant to kill or hurt anyone. It was meant to produce just a loud sound for the crowd to disperse,” Maina explained.
The chief inspector further claimed that those accusing him of intent to kill are basing their criticism on ignorance.
“We ignore some of these criticisms because they come from people who are unaware of what is going on or what really happened. As for me, I just have to ignore the criticism,” Maina stated.
Police Refutes claims of inexperience in using stun grenades
He went on to explain that if those criticizing him had access to the true account of the events on Tuesday, June 18, they would likely change their perspective.
“If someone were to learn the truth of what really happened that day or understand what we were actually doing, I believe they would provide a more informed critique, rather than resorting to generalizations and insults.” Maina further explained.
At the same time, the police chief inspector refuted claims that his inexperience in using stun grenades caused him to lose his forearms.
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“I have used many stun grenades, a lot of them. In fact, I recall using one at a football derby between Gor Mahia and AFC Leopards at Nyayo Stadium. When the game ended, there was some commotion.
I threw one stun grenade that produced a very loud sound, and it helped me disperse the whole crowd. The field was full to capacity, and the crowd dispersed peacefully with no injuries reported,” Maina explained.
Maina further clarified that he has used the stun grenade many times without any issues, and the incident in which he lost his forearms was just an accident.
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Maina’s boss, Agrey Shamala, a commandant of the RDU came to his defense saying the police working for RDU are highly trained in handling stun grenades and Maina’s case was simply an accident.
The police chief inspector lost his forearms along City Walk in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) when a stun grenade exploded, shattering his forearms.
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