‘Uninyunyizie maji… Bwana’ quickly became the theme song in Raila Odinga’s anti-government protests. DJ Spider Freddy, the official Azimio deejay, cues the song the moment the dreaded GK-plated jungle green ‘Water beasts’ are in sight.
There is no doubt that water cannons have had an impressive role in dispersing the anti-government protests. However, high-pressure water can have an awful impact on individuals in protests.
Each truck costs anywhere between Ksh16 – Ksh20 million. They are classified as armoured vehicles by their manufacturer, International Armored Group.
The massive trucks are outfitted with two cannons that are connected to a 14,000-litre water tank.
While they can be useful in some situations, they can also be dangerous depending on how they are used.
Here are some of the potential hazards of police water cannons:
Physical Injuries.
High-pressure water delivered by police water cannons can cause physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones, especially if individuals are struck by the water jet or knocked over by the force of the water.
The gunner, who controls the cannon, is under strict training not to aim the heads of protests because water cannons are only legal for dispersing crowds and not attacking them.
Hypothermia:
The water used in police water cannons is frequently cold, which can cause hypothermia, especially if people are exposed to it for an extended period of time.
In 2016, 26 people were hospitalized and over 300 were injured after North Dakota law enforcement officers used water cannons on unarmed protesters opposing the Dakota Access pipeline.
According to the group, the majority of the patients suffered from hypothermia as a result of being soaked by water cannons.
Slip and fall hazards
The use of water cannons can cause slip and fall hazards, particularly on hard surfaces such as pavement or concrete, resulting in additional injuries.Â
Police water cannons splash at least 20 liters-per-second, which can cut a person at a close range.
Eye injuries
The force of the water, especially if delivered at close range or aimed directly at an individual’s face, can cause eye injuries.Â
Dietrich Wagner, a German pensioner, was knocked over by a water cannon in Stuttgart in 2010. He stumbled backwards, passed out, and when he awoke, blood was running down from his eyes. He was condemned to permanent loss of sight.
Psychological effects
The use of police water cannons can have a psychological impact on people, particularly if they perceive the use of force to be excessive or unnecessary, leading to mistrust and fear of law enforcement.
Over the week, residents have reported abandoning their businesses and workplaces at the sight of the water cannons.
To summarize, police water cannons have the potential to be dangerous, and their use should be carefully considered and monitored to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Human rights
The use of water cannons may infringe on individual’s human rights, such as the right to peaceful assembly and the freedom from cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. Police must respect these rights and use water cannons legally and proportionately.
Water cannons should be subject to appropriate oversight and accountability measures to ensure that they are used legally and following human rights. This could include independent investigations and reviews of their application.
