The Ministry of Interior has been pressed over the chemical composition of the tear gas and coloured liquid police used water cannons to spray protesters with during the recent anti-government demonstrations.

In a letter dated July 30 addressed to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, lawyers from Mugeria, Lempaa and Kariuki Advocates seek information on the tear gas’s chemical formula, as well as its origin.

Further, the lawyers want the government to explain whether the tear gas has side effects on their reproductive health and if it has been approved and certified as safe by the Kenya Bureau of Standards. (KEBS)

“What is the chemical formula of the tear gas and the water canon used by the police to disperse protestors? From which countries the tear gas used by the police is imported?” it reads.

“How much money was spent on teargas in the 2023/24 financial year?” the letter adds.

“Kindly note that as a consumer of these chemicals time is of the essence in providing the information sought in this letter. Please provide the requested information as soon as possible.”

During the recent demos which began against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and later against the government, police were criticised for excessive use of force on unarmed protesters.