By Wilfridah Murenga
Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino paid a visit to two police officers on Tuesday evening, who were seriously injured by a teargas canister explosion during the peaceful protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
David Maina a Chief Inspector lost both his arms on Tuesday afternoon when a teargas canister which he had denoted but delayed its release exploded in his arms.
The female officer identified as Constable Mildred Amoit also sustained serious chest injuries as she was standing near Inspector Maina during the incident.
In a statement, the lawmaker commended the medical staff at Nairobi West Hospital for the care attention they have provided to officers.
“While CI Maina suffered terrible injuries, we are happy with the good work that the doctors and nurses of the Nairobi West Hospital are doing to ensure he recovers,” he said.
The MP also expressed his regret over the fact that individuals are getting injured while exercising their democratic rights as Kenyans.
He urged the Police officers to refrain from being manipulated into suppressing the freedom of Kenyans as the young people who are at the forefront of advocating for these rights are not just fighting for themselves but for the entire community, including our police force.
“It is unfortunate that anyone should suffer injuries in the exercise of citizens’ democratic rights,” he wrote.
“To our police brothers and sisters, these young people are fighting for you as well; do not accept to be used to stifle freedom in our beloved Kenya. This country belongs to all of us and we have no other so we must get it right,” added the MP.
The Protest ‘Occupy Parliament commenced on Tuesday morning and rapidly evolved into a tumultuous clash, with authorities facing off against Kenyan citizens in heated confrontations as protestors swarmed the streets and alleys to courageously voice their opinions.