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Sep 30, 2023

Anti

As the nationwide protests hit day two on Monday, March 27, several security

As the nationwide protests hit day two on Monday, March 27, several security personnel were unleashed in the streets to contain the situation.

Some of the officers were from the anti-riot unit of the National Police Service (NPS) and were seen armed with full maroon body armour alongside other armaments.

Many of the officers engaged and calmed protesters in several parts of Nairobi city like Mathare and Kibera who pelted them with stones.

With the full-body armour, the police countered the threats and protected themselves from harm during the protests led by opposition chief Raila Odinga.

The armour protects the officer from objects thrown at them, knives, or any acid attacks from rowdy crowds.

It included knee pads, a helmet, shin guards, upper body and shoulder protectors, elbow guards, gloves, a shield, etc.

Notably, each of the parts of the armour served a different purpose to ensure the officers are protected as they maintained law and order.

The suit, for example, is designed to protect the torso of the officers. It is often made of flexible materials that firmly fit each officer.

In some situations, the suit may be integrated with body cameras to record happenings while on the streets.

On the other hand, the helmet protects the officer from several threats that may be aimed at the head area. It has a transparent shield that allows the officer to assess the area and remain safe.

Notably, the batons used by the anti-riot police are made of strong polycarbonate of wood and are effective in gaining entry into buildings or vehicles.

The bow or rectangular-shaped shield is often useful when pushing back a rowdy crowd or restricting movement.

Following the Monday, March 27 protests, Police Inspector General Japhet Koome announced that 23 officers were injured and that the chaos left two security vehicles torched.