Kenya is still reeling from the aftermath of the recent Gen Z protests which rocked Nairobi and other urban centres countrywide.
From political upheaval to deaths, injuries, anarchy, property destruction and business losses, the impact has been colossal.
What is, however, always ignored is the ruinous effect of political demonstrations on public health and the environment.
The use of tear gas to counter-demonstrators in Nairobi is quite common.
While Kenyan law enforcement views it as one of their best crowd-control tools, its impact on public health and the environment is adverse.
Tear gas induces eye irritation as well as respiratory distress which potentially leads to long-term health issues.
Tear gas also worsens health conditions like asthma.
People with physical disabilities find it hard to escape quickly from areas affected by tear gas, leading to increased exposure to harmful chemicals.
Those with respiratory conditions, sensory impairments, or other health issues are especially vulnerable to severe effects, such as difficulty breathing, eye irritation, and disorientation.
The chaotic environment caused by tear gas can further hinder their ability to seek safety and assistance, highlighting the urgent need for more considerate and inclusive crowd control measures
What is puzzling, is the near-compulsive use of tear gas even on seemingly peaceful protesters.
In the beginning, Gen Z protests were distinguished by their innovative use of technology and social media to organize, mobilize, and amplify their voices.
The protests which saw the withdrawal of the proposed national budget and later the sacking of the cabinet, were characterized by creativity and resilience from the youth.
This was the case even in the face of excessive use of tear gas, water cannons and violence by the uniformed forces.
Public health questions
Two questions come to mind.
First, do the police understand the health risks it exposes citizens to by its choice of response to protests?
Second, what is the fate of poor citizens without access to healthcare insurance who get caught up in the potent crossfire of teargas, police batons and stray bullets?
Dr. Paul Njogu an environmentalist at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology says that tear gas causes rapid production of tears, sneezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing.
The effects can last for months and one should wash their eyes with excess clean water and a safe detergent or soap, rubbing the eyes can lead to severe damage to the eye tissue.
“The use of expired tear gas canisters poses the greatest health risks,” he adds.
Tear gas increases airborne particles, especially small particles with diameters of 2.5 micrometres commonly referred to as PM2.5, which is considered the most toxic air pollutant by the WHO.
He advises those with respiratory problems such as asthma to avoid areas with tear gas and tyre burning.”
Demonstrators equally contribute to environmental degradation.
“The burning of plastics and tyres leads to the release of pollutants, some of which are life-threatening,” says Eng. Anthony Irungu from Air Quality Systems added that it is in the interest of demonstrators with predisposing conditions such as asthma to avoid places where plastics are car tyres are set aflame during protests. The burning of tar also aggravates the problem since tyre burning produces toxic pollutants
Seeking alternatives
But amidst these challenges lies hope.
The Nairobi City County Government and the National Environment Management Authority, bring together representatives from various sectors, fostering a robust Community of Practice that shares knowledge, expertise, and resources to advance air quality improvements in Nairobi.
They advocate for sustainable crowd-control methods that prioritize public health and environmental preservation.
As we rally behind Nairobi's youth in their quest for a better future, we must demand accountability from policymakers, especially on-air quality.
Dialogue, de-escalation techniques, and non-toxic alternatives to tear gas are not just options but are imperatives for safeguarding both citizen rights and well-being.
Nairobi's Gen Zs have initiated a revolutionary idea of thinking and acting differently when faced with challenges.
Let us ensure that their activism is not stifled by the very air they breathe.
It's time for authorities to listen, engage, and act responsibly because the right to protest shouldn't come at the cost of public health and environmental degradation.
The author is a media scholar and trainer