Israeli-supplied Tear Gas To Kenyan Security Forces Endangers Kenyans Health – Report

A report by Thraets, a non-profit research group on digital rights, in collaboration with Africa Uncensored, has revealed that the tear gas grenades Kenyan security forces used to control crowds of protesters were non-lethal weapons which exposed Kenyans to health risks, were manufactured and supplied by an Israeli-owned company, ISPRA Ltd.

In the report, Thraets cited several non-lethal weapons, including 37/38/40 mm Anti-Riot Guns, Multi-effect grenades, and 37/38mm ammunition such as the G2020-CS/CS (MULTI EFFECT GRENADE – CS SMOKE + STUN & CS POWDER), C850-XRB (37/38MM ROUND – 24 BULLET BALLS), and C850-1CS (37/38mm ROUND – CS SMOKE), among others.

These non-lethal weapons, however, are of the same irritant components, which can cause a substantial amount of respiratory dysfunction and damage to eyes and skin when deployed on protesters.

Given the health implications of these non-lethal weapons, Thraets conducted a series of research on samples of tear gas canisters fired into Nairobi’s Githurai suburb during the Anti-Finance Bill protests.

Most of these weapons, as reported, were supplied by Israel’s ISPRA Ltd. and were found to contain chemicals like CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) or CN (chloroacetophenone), designed to control a crowd but also cause temporary incapacitation by irritating the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.

There are also reports indicating miscarriages and menstrual irregularities due to exposure to tear gas by Kenyans who have reported similar effects on menstrual delays.

Recall that in June and July 2024, Kenyans took to the streets, rejecting the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which escalated into the #RutoMustGo campaign that led to the deaths of over 60 civilians, as confirmed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.

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About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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M. Durosinmi is a West Africa Weekly investigative reporter covering Politics, Human Rights, Health, and Security in West Africa and the Sahel Region

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