The footages emerging from the ongoing protests in Kenya show a striking display of unity and resilience among the demonstrators. However, a troubling sight within these scenes is the sight of protesters aided by Kenya police in sharing a single long tube to hydrate themselves.
While the gesture may symbolize the protesters’ solidarity, this practice poses serious health risks that cannot be overlooked.
The primary concern is the potential for the rapid spread of infectious diseases when multiple people drink from the same source. Saliva and respiratory droplets can be easily passed from one person’s mouth to the next through the shared tube, creating a direct pathway for viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens to transmit quickly through the group. In the context of large-scale protests, this could lead to the spread of illnesses like the flu, streptococcus, putting the overall health of the demonstrators in jeopardy.
Beyond the threat of infectious diseases, sharing a water tube can also facilitate the transmission of other kinds of illnesses. Mouth sores, cold sores, and even tooth decay can be inadvertently passed along when people drink from the same source, especially in the physically demanding and stressful environment of sustained protests, which can weaken the immune system.
Read More:Five dead, 31 Injured In Kenyan Police Protest Shooting
While staying hydrated is crucial for protesters enduring the rigors of demonstrations, there are safer and more hygienic ways to achieve this. Organizers should consider providing individual sealed water bottles or encouraging protesters to bring their own reusable containers that are not shared. Alternatively, setting up stations with touchless water dispensers would allow people to refill their own bottles without risking cross-contamination.
The health and wellbeing of the Kenyan protesters must be a top priority. By taking practical steps to prevent the spread of illness through shared hydration, the demonstrators can maintain their physical resilience and sustain the momentum of their important movement. The fight for justice and reform should not come at the unacceptable cost of compromising public health.
At least five people have been shot dead after Kenyan Police fired live rounds at protesters in Nairobi Tuesday as outrage swelled against a controversial finance bill that led to extensive demonstrations.
The protests, ignited by the Finance Bill 2024, have united citizens under the banner of “7 Days of Rage,” with the nation bracing for further unrest. Activists, lawyers, and medical professionals issued a statement revealing that five people were fatally shot and around 31 others were injured, with varying types of ammunition causing harm.