Officer Loses Both Arms in Explosive Incident Amidst Occupy Parliament Protests

In a tragic turn of events, a police officer lost both of his arms on Tuesday afternoon when a teargas canister exploded during the tumultuous Occupy Parliament protests in Nairobi. The incident, which occurred amidst escalating clashes between protesters and law enforcement, has sparked widespread concern and highlighted the intensity of the ongoing demonstrations.

According to a report filed at the Central Police Station under 'Injury to a police officer', David Maina, a member of the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), suffered severe injuries while attempting to deploy a teargas canister. Eyewitnesses and videos shared online reveal that Maina delayed the release of the canister, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that engulfed him in a thick cloud of smoke.

Fellow officers who witnessed the incident stated that Maina's arms were severely damaged at the wrist. He was swiftly transported to Nairobi West Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery.

The incident also saw injuries to two other officers from the Embakasi and Tassia police posts, who sustained chest injuries from the teargas canister. They were also treated at Nairobi West Hospital and have since been released.

Officer Loses Both Arms in Explosive Incident Amidst Occupy Parliament Protests

The Occupy Parliament protests, which began early Tuesday morning, have seen thousands of Kenyans take to the streets in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024. The controversial bill, which proposes higher taxes, has been met with fierce resistance from the public. As the protests intensified, police and protesters engaged in running battles, with demonstrators using alleys and streets to evade law enforcement while voicing their dissent.

In response to the public outcry, the National Assembly has scheduled a special session to debate the Finance Bill 2024. The decision, made during a Tuesday sitting, will see legislators convene on Thursday at 9 a.m. to deliberate on the contentious bill. The motion for the special session was introduced by Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw'ah following approval by the House Business Committee.

As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the violent protests and the grievous injuries sustained by Officer Maina, the focus now shifts to the upcoming parliamentary debate. The outcome of this session will be crucial in determining the future of the Finance Bill 2024 and addressing the concerns of the Kenyan populace.