A youth protesting in Nairobi's central business district was rushed to the hospital after a teargas canister exploded in his hand.

The canister detonated when the unidentified protester picked it up after anti-riot police fired it. He intended to throw it back towards the officers.

Other protesters helped wrap his hand with a red cloth before he was put on a motorcycle and rushed to the hospital.

The police have been engaged in running battles with protesters in the CBD since morning. The demonstrations, now on their fifth day, have led to major roads into Nairobi being blocked by protesters and police.

On the first day of the protests, a teargas canister explosion occurred when a senior police officer failed to release a detonated canister, resulting in the loss of both hands. A female officer sustained serious chest injuries. They were both rushed to Nairobi West Hospital, where Maina underwent surgery.

Police explained that the canister in question is different from those used in past protests. Chief Inspector David Maina was among the officers deployed to contain the protesters when he detonated a teargas canister outside Kencom, opposite International Life House.