In June and July 2024, East Africa experienced waves of protests, notably in Kenya, where large-scale youth-led demonstrations erupted in response to the contentious Finance Bill 2024. The demonstrations were part of a broader effort to pressure President William Ruto, with activist groups staging protests every Tuesday and Thursday and calling for his resignation due to the government’s fiscal policies and handling of the economic crisis.
This kind of peaceful protest is an exercise protected as a fundamental human right enshrined in many constitutions and international human rights treaties, including the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. This right is also protected under Kenya’s Constitution. This right is not absolute, however. Kenya’s Penal Code states that any gatherings or other meeting or procession that may threaten the peace or public order can be disrupted by the police, and the means for this disruption is not clearly defined.
Police violence however was not confined to the protests in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). A heightened police presence was observed in the suburbs of Githurai, Zimmerman, Pipeline, and Ongata Rongai just miles away from CBD on nights that preceded the protests, majorly police using non-lethal ammunition like teargas and water cannons inside residential areas long into the night. Over 60 deaths related to the protests have been confirmed by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, some of the from indiscriminate police action in Ongata Rongai and Githurai. This further raises questions about police conduct in peaceful protests.
Footage from these demonstrations provided an opportunity to study and analyse the riot gear used by security forces, expanding our digital library research as part of the Tech Misuse and Abuse Project.
Using open-source investigation methods, Thraets verified over 40 videos and 120 images documenting the demonstrations in Kenya, particularly around the #RejectTheFinanceBill2024 and #RutoMustGo campaigns. These images and videos, shared on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, highlighted nearly four different demonstrations where tear gas was misused. Africa Uncensored and the team at Thraets, a network of open-source researchers, confirmed the location, date, and validity of these events, which were crucial for our investigation.
The Connection to Israel
Our open-source revealed that security forces used tear gas grenades, most of which were manufactured by ISPRA Ltd in Israel. ISPRA Ltd specialises in developing and manufacturing devices for riot control, crowd management, anti-terror equipment, and police gear. The company’s products include tear gas grenades, anti-riot guns, and various types of ammunition, including those used by security operatives in the Kenyan protests.
ISPRA Ltd is an Israeli company founded in 1969, specialising in producing tear gas and other ‘non-lethal’ ammunition. With the tagline, ‘smart solutions for riot control,’ ISPRA exports anti-riot gear worldwide and is a major supplier to Israeli police and military. However, they maintain a limited online presence, with minimal information available on their exports, financial status, employee count, or annual reports. Their LinkedIn page shows 84 associated employees with no posts or articles.
Many companies, such as ISPRA, do not maintain a prominent online presence, but market their products at arms fairs worldwide. To trace and identify their products, we tracked their participation in Defense Exhibitions and Arms Fairs throughout the years. ISPRA has exhibited at numerous Arms Fairs, including Milipol in Paris since 1993, ADEX in Azerbaijan, KADEX in Kazakhstan, ShieldAfrica in 2021, and many others. At ADEX 2018, they promoted their Cyclone Anti-Riot Drone System.
This is not the first time an Israeli company has supplied equipment to an African country. In early 2001, the Zimbabwean Financial Gazette newspaper reported that Zimbabwe had sought at least 30 riot control vehicles as part of a $10 million deal with another Israeli company called the Beit Alfa Trailer Company (BAT).
The ‘non-lethal’ tear gas canisters collected by demonstrators during the #RejectFinanceBill2024 protests included impact rounds manufactured by ISPRA Ltd between 2017 and 2022. These rounds were specifically designed to manage rioting crowds in various ways, ranging from causing non-lethal pain to fully incapacitating people without causing permanent harm. The purpose is to control both individual targets and larger groups effectively.
The equipment identified and documented by our team included products like 37/38/40 mm Anti-Riot Guns, Multi-effect grenades, and 37/38mm ammunition such as the G2020-CS/CS (MULTI EFFECT GRENADE – CS SMOKE + STUN & CS POWDER), C850-XRB (37/38MM ROUND – 24 BULLET BALLS), and C850-1CS (37/38mm ROUND – CS SMOKE), among others.
(C850-XRB – impact rounds and balls )
The image above, from the Kenyan riots, shows an ‘Impact Ammunition’ with the product label “C850-XRB,” which matches the labels from products produced by ISPRA Ltd as shown in the 2019 ISPRA Catalog.
Another example item is the C850-1CS, which also matches the labels from ISPRA Ltd products as shown in this Instagram post.
The label ‘Model 2020’ on some of the tear gas canisters that we saw in the videos and images indicates a specific model or version which reflects updates in design, formulation, or compliance with regulations, including advancements in safety features, dispersal methods, or changes in the chemical composition of agents used, such as CS gas or other irritants. This particular model was mapped to the Multi-effect grenades G2020-CS/CS. However, some of the protesters confused the label 2020 as the expiry date like in this video shared here, which is not correct. Another example is this video from 2023 where a protester makes the same claims in Kisumu city.
During the protests, Kenyans saw, for the first time, an orange-red substance released unto protesters leading to questions on what exactly it was and how potentially dangerous it might be and was immediately named; The “Agent Orange”. Neitizens immediately circulated conspiracy theories(here, here and here) on who was responsible and behind the new type of teargas.
“Agent Orange” was a chemical herbicide and defoliant that was used by the U.S. military as part of its herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, during the Vietnam War from 1961 to 1971.
According to articles and online reports such as Nation Media, we believe the strange teargas is Oleoresin Capsicum(OC) spray, often deprived from capsaicin –an active ingredient in chilli peppers which fall under the same Multi-effect grenades G4040-CS/* categories.
Based on photos from the #RejectTheFinanceBill2024 demonstrations in Kenya, Thraets identified grenades and canisters visually similar to ISPRA Ltd (Israel) G2020 products by exact serial number and part number patterns as per ISPRA Ltd products shared in catalogues on their website.
The Rise in Crowd Control Tech from Israel: Intermediaries and Questionable Deals
In 2014, the Times of Israel reported a 40% increase in Israeli weapons exports to African countries compared to the previous year, according to Defense Ministry data. This surge likely included tear gas purchases from ISPRA Ltd., which we estimate began between 2010 and 2015. This assumption is supported by an investigation by the Kenyan Auditor-General into the 3.8 billion KES spent by the Kenyan Ministry of Interior in Kenya which is responsible for policing functions and internal security. This investigation was documented by John Ngirachu in Nation Media. The report indicated that ISPRA Ltd. received 272 million KES, with significant payments made on June 30, 2015, the last day of the financial year, into accounts at Kenya Commercial Bank and the National Bank of Kenya. Although the article does not specify tear gas, it lists arms, insurance, vehicles, and helicopter repairs among the purchases (Standard News Archive).
The Star also reports the same mysterious account No. 1109896077 at KCB, Moi Avenue Branch, that transacted over Sh8.7 billion without the authority of the National Treasury as required by law. This was the same account flagged earlier that was used to pay INSPRA Ltd.
Our research analysts utilised Getty Images to analyze images tagged with ‘Kenya Tear Gas’ from as early as the 2000s. This analysis, which included the examination of 1,663 photos, confirmed that, before 2010, Kenyan police primarily used tear gas from the French company, Nobel Securite. This conclusion is based on the examination of the launchers and tear gas canisters depicted in the images. ISPRA Ltd.’s specific tear gas canisters first appeared around 2010, marking a shift in the type of tear gas used by Kenyan police.
Our research shows the transition from French-made Nobel Securite tear gas to Israeli-made ISPRA Ltd tear gas around 2010, coinciding with the reported increase in Israeli arms exports to Africa.
Timeline of Tear Gas Usage and Protests in Kenya
2005:
- Police used tear gas during various protests, with evidence showing tear gas canisters from Nobel Securite, a French company.
- Example:2005 anti-Referendum protest
2006:
- Continued use of Nobel Securite tear gas during protests.
- Examples:2006 Nairobi Hawkers protest, 2006 pro-Uhuru Kenyatta protest
2007-2008:
- Continued use of Nobel Securite tear gas during post Election protests.
- Examples:2008 Post-Election Violence
2010-2012:
- The first documented use of ISPRA Ltd’s Model-2020 tear gas canisters in Kenyan protests, as seen in these Getty images where a policeman is seen holding a blue and orange tear gas canister.
- Example:2012 photo from Eastleigh
2014:
- Increased visibility of ISPRA Ltd tear gas in protests.
- Example:2014 State of the Nation protest , 2014 University of Nairobi strike
2023-2024:
- Protests reignited in response to the Finance Bill, which proposed significant tax increases and other financial reforms in June 2023 and June 2024. Demonstrations continued throughout June and July, with heavy police response and the use of tear gas procured from ISPRA Ltd.
- Example: Finance Bill Protests, July 16
The consistent use of intermediaries and secondary channels by Israeli companies in Africa, often through dubious means, has been well-documented. This practice, highlighted by Yotam Gidron in Israel in Africa, exemplifies Israel’s ‘middle-man’ approach to diplomacy on the continent.
Israeli companies often operate through local intermediaries to facilitate deals, a practice that has raised concerns about transparency and ethics. This method has allowed certain Israeli firms to navigate complex regulatory environments and political landscapes while distancing themselves from direct involvement in potentially controversial transactions. This strategy also allows them to circumvent restrictions and embargoes that might be in place.
Gidron notes that this approach has been a key aspect of Israel’s engagement in Africa, with intermediaries playing crucial roles in arms deals, security contracts, and other business ventures. The use of intermediaries is seen as a way to maintain plausible deniability and reduce direct accountability for actions taken by local agents on behalf of Israeli interests.
HSN Codes and Export Details
Using open-source platforms like Volza Grow Global, we confirmed recent exports of tear gas to Kenya from ISPRA Israel Product Co Ltd, which made four export shipments. The platform also mentions that its top export market is Kenya, with top export product categories including HSN Codes 7610900000, 8421399000, and 9020000000. HSN code stands for Harmonized System of Nomenclature, a 6-digit uniform code that classifies over 5000 products and is accepted worldwide. Recent exports to Kenya under these codes include:
- HSN Code 9306900000: ‘42 STEEL DRUMS PARTS FOR GRENADE CLASS 6 1 4 1 UN 1700’ which are tear gas grenades
- HSN Code 7610900000: ‘1X20 FT CNTR STC 3 UNITS PORTABLE ALUMINIUM LADDER 7 CARTONS TACTICAL GAS MASK FILTERS STEEL DRUMS PARTS FOR G808 ST GRENADE CLASS 6 1 4 1 UN 1700’
The substantial volume of tear gas grenades and related riot control equipment being exported to Kenya suggests a continued and perhaps increased use of tear gas for crowd dispersion. This raises significant concerns about the long-term health impacts on the Kenyan population and the potential escalation in the use of force in managing public demonstrations.
Health Impacts
According to a recent article by Nation Media, over 958 tear gas canisters were thrown in one night in Nairobi’s Githurai suburb, some of which were thrown into the houses in the suburb. This incident underscores the urgent need for more thorough investigations into the health impacts of tear gas exposure. Tear gas, commonly composed of chemicals like CS (2-chlorobenzalmalononitrile) or CN (chloroacetophenone), is designed to cause temporary incapacitation by irritating the eyes, respiratory system, and skin.
There have also been reports of miscarriages and menstrual irregularities following tear gas exposure, and some individuals in Kenya exposed to teargas have reported effects here, here, here, here and here. The exact mechanisms are not well understood, but the chemicals may disrupt hormonal balances and affect reproductive organs. However, the health impacts can extend beyond temporary discomfort:
- Respiratory Issues: Exposure to tear gas can lead to chronic respiratory problems, including asthma and bronchitis. The chemicals can cause severe inflammation of the airways, making breathing difficult and potentially leading to long-term damage.
- Ocular Damage: Tear gas exposure can result in temporary blindness and long-term eye damage. Symptoms include severe irritation, tearing, and conjunctivitis. In some cases, it can lead to permanent vision impairment.
- Dermatological Effects: The skin can suffer from severe burns and rashes upon contact with tear gas. Prolonged exposure may lead to chronic skin conditions and infections due to the compromised skin barrier.
- Reproductive Health: There have been reports of miscarriages and menstrual irregularities following tear gas exposure. The exact mechanisms are not well understood, but the chemicals may disrupt hormonal balances and affect reproductive organs.
- Genetic Mutations: Although less well-documented, there is concern about the potential for genetic mutations caused by the chemical components of tear gas. This could have far-reaching implications, particularly for children exposed during crucial developmental stages.
Conclusion
Israel’s engagement with African nations is evolving, but perhaps not in the expected direction. While recent years have seen Israel exporting advanced surveillance technologies to countries across the continent, there’s a parallel trend of supplying traditional crowd control equipment such as tear gas canisters. This shift to ‘less-than-lethal’ riot gear demonstrates the multifaceted nature of Israel’s strategic relationships in Africa. The expansion into supplying tear gas, as seen with companies like ISPRA Ltd., raises questions about the broader implications of Israel’s involvement in African security matters. As Israel leverages its expertise in surveillance and crowd control technologies for diplomatic and economic gains in Africa, concerns grow about the potential consequences. The deepening of dictatorships and weakening of democracy across the continent can no longer be ignored. In light of these developments, it is imperative to critically examine how Israel’s involvement in African security matters might be impacting the political landscape. The increasing use of Israeli-supplied crowd control equipment, such as tear gas, not only affects public health but also influences the dynamics of civil unrest and state responses. This calls for a nuanced understanding and rigorous scrutiny of the long-term consequences of such exports on the democratic fabric and human rights conditions in African countries.
Our cataloging of these non-lethal weapons is an ongoing project. If you have any images or videos not featured in this post, we welcome your contributions. Please share them with our research team at [email protected] to help expand this important resource.
The investigation into tear gas used in the recent Kenya demonstrations was led by the Thraets team, in collaboration with the Africa Uncensored team.