Police officer who lost hands after teargas explosion shares his recovery journey

June 18, 2024, is a day forever etched in the memory of Chief Inspector David Maina of the Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU).  A tragic accident involving a stun grenade changed his life. 

In an interview with TV 47, Maina explained how after struggling to remove the safety pin, the grenade unexpectedly detonated.

‘‘I really do not understand what happened because this was something I have used and gone through training,” he recalled.

Maina’s accident led to severe injuries and loss of his limbs. 

He is currently undergoing counseling and rehabilitation. He remains optimistic, confident that he will return to service after full recovery and acquiring prosthetic hands. 

“I am still on the recovery process, the wounds are healing.’’

Maina candidly shared the challenges of adjusting to daily life without his limbs as he expressed gratitude to his family and doctors for their support. 

Despite the difficulty, he maintains hope, believing that in time, he will regain his independence.

Maina dismissed public criticism that he intended to harm the protesters.

‘‘We ignore some of this critisms because some of them are from people who are ignorant.’’

Stun grenades, also known as flash bangs, are used by authorities to disorient crowds with light and sound without causing harm. 

He reiterated that the stun grenade was meant to disperse protesters, and not to injure anyone.