Controversy Surrounds Pink Gas Release in Nairobi Protests
Pink gas used on protesters on July 16, Nairobi
Introduction to Pink Gas
Kenyan protesters in Nairobi streets were startled by the release of a pink-ish substance, sparking fears of potential harm. Many speculate it could be a banned chemical.
Visual Evidence of Unusual Substance
Videos circulating online depict a pink cloud resembling tear gas smoke outside a Java House outlet, raising eyebrows among onlookers.
Debate and Speculation
The first deployment of this substance has led to widespread speculation about its nature and potential dangers to public health.
Public Reaction on Social Media
On social media platform X, opinions are divided. Some fear it’s a “poisonous gas,” while others suggest it could be similar to Agent Orange.
Agent Orange Comparisons
Talk of Agent Orange gained traction after Auma Obama, President Barack Obama’s half-sister, condemned the substance as potentially harmful.
International Commentary
Dictator Watch also weighed in, accusing William Ruto of using toxic gas and labeling the pink substance a crime against humanity.
Official Identification Delay
Despite various claims and rumors, officials have yet to officially confirm the substance’s identity or clarify its chemical composition.
Understanding Agent Orange
Agent Orange, according to the Aspen Institute, was a herbicide used by the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, containing the dangerous chemical dioxin.
Health and Environmental Impact
Production of Agent Orange ceased in the 1970s, but its legacy persists through dioxin, a toxic pollutant linked to severe health issues like cancer and birth defects.
Historical Context of Agent Orange
During the Vietnam War, U.S. forces used Agent Orange to defoliate forests and destroy crops, affecting millions in Vietnam with long-term health repercussions.
Continued Effects Today
Decades later, both Americans and Vietnamese still suffer from the consequences of Agent Orange exposure, illustrating its enduring impact.
Unverified Claims in Nairobi
While it remains unclear if Kenyan authorities used Agent Orange, reports of health impacts after exposure to the pink gas continue to surface.
Personal Testimony
One eyewitness recounted a distressing incident where the gas caused respiratory distress among bystanders, exacerbating health issues.
In her words, “They shot someone in the eye today and when people tried to help him they tear-gassed the entire street with dioxin. My friends and I could not breathe. One of us is asthmatic and still feeling the effects of the gas. #RutoMustGo by any means necessary!”
This unfolding situation underscores the urgent need for clarity and accountability regarding the use of chemical agents in public spaces.
