A police officer was seriously injured after a teargas canister exploded on him at a bar in Kayole, Nairobi.
The incident happened at a bar in Kayole where Benga musician Emma Jalamo was performing, police said.
Witnesses said three cops in the company of county enforcement officials stormed the bar at about 3 am on May 18 and later switched off the system saying there were complaints of noise pollution.
This prompted a commotion from some of the revelers present. Some pelted objects to the main dais as those performing also took cover, witnesses said.
It was then a teargas canister went off causing a stampede.
The canister had exploded on one of the police officers in the stomach seriously injuring him.
He was rushed to Clara Rosa Hospital in Mihango, where he was attended to and referred to Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) for specialized treatment. Police visited the scene and recovered spent tear gas canisters.
The injured officer was in stable condition on Tuesday, police said.
An investigation has been launched into the incident, Nairobi police boss George Sedah said.
There has been a call on authorities to contain noise pollution in estates.
This has left many families devastated and traumatized.
County officials have been cracking down on the issue targeting clubs and churches. Residents blame the same county officials who license the facilities behind the menace.
Some of the facilities are within estates and near hospitals and schools, which worsens the situation.
Officials say a special squad is focused on the issue of noise pollution to address it amid challenges, which include a lack of resources, goodwill, corruption and interference from above.
Communities have been petitioning the authorities to address the menace amid claims of a lack of action.
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