By Erestinah Jane, July 1, 2026
The deployment of Long-Range Acoustic Devices (LRADs) by the National Police Service during the June 25, 2026, Gen Z anniversary protests has ignited a heated national debate, with human rights organizations, legal experts and medical professionals questioning the health implications and legality of using the technology during public demonstrations.
The devices, commonly referred to as sound cannons or sound blasters, were mounted on police vehicles during security operations in Nairobi as officers dispersed demonstrators commemorating two years since the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
Their use has since attracted criticism from civil society groups, who argue that the technology was deployed against peaceful protesters, journalists and members of the public exercising their constitutional right to assemble.
Medical experts warn that LRADs are capable of producing extremely intense, highly directional sound waves that may cause significant physical discomfort and hearing-related injuries depending on the intensity, duration of exposure and proximity to the device.
According to specialists, sound levels produced by some LRAD models can exceed the threshold at which exposure becomes painful to the human ear.
They caution that close-range exposure to high-intensity acoustic waves may result in temporary or permanent hearing damage, including eardrum injury, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and reduced hearing ability.
Doctors further explain that the powerful sound waves can interfere with the vestibular system in the inner ear, which is responsible for maintaining balance.
Individuals exposed to the acoustic beam may experience dizziness, severe vertigo, nausea, loss of balance and temporary disorientation.
Health professionals also note that sudden exposure to loud, concentrated sound may trigger headaches, migraines, sinus discomfort and heightened psychological stress, particularly among vulnerable individuals.
Some mental health experts have warned that the unexpected use of high-intensity sound during demonstrations can provoke panic, anxiety and emotional distress among crowds.
The deployment has also raised significant legal questions.
Human rights organizations contend that the devices were used against peaceful assemblies, including mourners and activists gathered near Parliament to commemorate victims of previous demonstrations.
Critics argue that the use of such equipment in crowd control should be subject to strict legal safeguards, clear operational guidelines and independent oversight to ensure compliance with constitutional protections on peaceful assembly and the use of force.
Legal practitioners have also questioned whether sufficient regulatory frameworks exist to govern the operational use of acoustic devices during domestic policing.
Some advocates have called for greater transparency regarding the procurement, deployment protocols and safety standards governing LRAD use.
Oversight bodies and civil society organizations are urging authorities to publicly clarify the circumstances under which the devices may be deployed and to establish clear accountability mechanisms.
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