A female police officer deployed to maintain order in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) collapsed as protests gathered momentum on Wednesday.
After the incident, protesters carried her to a nearby ambulance.
According to Vocal Africa’s Hussein Khalid, the reason for her collapse was unclear.
“First aid has already been administered, and paramedics said she is now stable,” Khalid said, adding that she would be taken to the hospital for further treatment.
“We don’t know if it was a tear gas canister or a stone, but she fell on the street. Thankfully, the protesters carried her to the ambulance. St John’s has performed first aid, and she is now stable. We are hoping she remains safe as she is taken to the hospital."
In a separate incident, Khalid was seen administering first aid to another police officer who had approached the ambulance with colleagues to check on the fallen officer.
As demos gained momentum, police engaged in running battles with protesters, who have remained defiant despite the use of teargas and water cannons.
Demonstrations are currently underway in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Kisii, among other towns.
Kisumu has remained calm, with business continuing as usual.
By midday, the Nairobi protest had drawn hundreds of participants and triggered gridlock in several parts of the city.
Business owners near Parliament closed shop, while medics and volunteer groups set up stations to treat those affected by tear gas.
“We will not be silenced,” a young woman shouted as police regrouped and helicopters hovered overhead.
“This is our country. We are taking it back.”
