Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has blamed the ‘Occupy Parliament’ Finance Bill Demonstrators ‘ for severe injuries suffered by a police officer. Chief Inspector David Karuri Maina lost lost his forearms after a teargas canister exploded on him outside Kencom, Nairobi.
The injured officer allegedly delayed deploying a teargas canister after detonating it.
“As a result his two hands were severely injured from the wrist losing both fore arms,” read the police report.
Chief Inspector Maina and another officer, who was near him when the teargas canister exploded and sustained burn injuries on her chest, were quickly rushed to Nairobi West Hospital.
Chief Inspector Maina underwent emergency surgery. Unfortunately, his forearms could not be saved.
Mutua placed responsibility of Officer Karuri’s missing hands squarely on the protesters.
“Today, Chief Inspector David Karuri Maina has lost both his arms due to the protests. The blood of the officer who lost his hands is on you.” Mutua asserted.
“This man is a son, a husband, and a father… his life has been forever altered,” he added.
Alfred Mutua Pledges Financial Help
Mutua, who visited Chief Inspector Maina in the hospital, pledged KSh1 million towards his recovery, acknowledging the sacrifices officers make in maintaining public order.
The injured officer is attached to the the Administration Police, Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU).
“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,” Th CS said.
Mutua, however, is yet to comment on the death of Rex Masai, a civilian fatally shot by a police officer during the Finance Bill Protests.
His silence begs the question: is the government only concerned with the executive arm while overlooking its citizens, who elected them to power?
By Vivian K.