Protester’s Hand Blown Off by Teargas Canister in Nairobi Demos
A peaceful protest in Nairobi CBD on Wednesday, June 25, ended in tragedy after a young protester lost part of his hand when a tear gas canister exploded in his grip.
The injured man, visibly in pain, was captured in viral videos screaming as blood streamed from his mangled left hand. Another protester tried to control the bleeding using a cloth before the victim was rushed away on a motorbike.
Eyewitnesses say he had picked up a tear gas canister and attempted to hurl it back at the police — a practice commonly known as “returning officers.” The device exploded before he could throw it.
Doctor Warned of This Very Danger
Earlier that same day, Dr. Austin Omondi, the founder of Medics for Kenya, had issued a chilling warning to Gen Z protesters.
“Do not handle tear gas canisters by trying to throw them back at police,”
“They will only explode in your hands, leading to possible amputation. Be peaceful and unarmed even as you exercise your constitutional rights,”
Dr. Omondi cautioned via his X (Twitter) account.
Sadly, his words became reality just hours later.
A Painful Reminder From the Past
This incident mirrors a similar tragedy from last year’s protests. A police officer lost both his hands after a tear gas canister exploded while still in his grip. He had activated the canister but delayed throwing it, leading to a devastating blast.
The practice of tossing back canisters has been popularized on social media. Many hailed those who did it as heroes. But Wednesday’s tragedy exposed the grim risk involved.
It’s Not Just “Gas” — It’s a Bomb in Disguise
Many people think tear gas is harmless smoke. In truth, it’s a chemical irritant delivered through an explosive shell. If that shell explodes in someone’s hand, the result is catastrophic — torn flesh, shattered bones, and chemical burns.
“When it explodes in your hand,”
“you’re not just dealing with smoke. You’re dealing with heat, shrapnel, and poison — all in one,”
said a medic who witnessed the aftermath.
Tears and Screams Echo Through the City
As the bleeding young man was whisked away on a boda boda, the crowd erupted into screams. Emotions boiled. The pain on his face was mirrored in the eyes of fellow protesters.
Wednesday’s horror has reignited debate on protest safety, police response, and how far Kenyans must go to be heard.
ALSO READ: Man Behind Viral June 25 Protest ‘Timetable’ Mysteriously Missing
Protester’s Hand Blown Off by Teargas Canister in Nairobi Demos
