Embu County is reeling after demonstrations in Ishiara, Mbeere North, turned tragic on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two young men and injuries to several others.
The protests, triggered by public concerns over service delivery at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, escalated into confrontation with police, culminating in fatal shootings.
Governor Cecily Mbarire condemned the excessive use of force, stressing that the situation did not justify live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators.
“I strongly condemn the use of excessive force, including live ammunition, against unarmed demonstrators. Such actions are disproportionate and unacceptable under the circumstances,” she stated in her response.
The Governor emphasized the need for accountability and called for independent investigations into the incident.
“I call for immediate, thorough, and independent investigations into this incident, and urge that those responsible be held fully accountable for this heinous act,” she added.
Mbarire extended condolences to the bereaved families and appealed to residents to remain calm, warning leaders against politicizing the tragedy.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed it had dispatched a Rapid Response Team to Embu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
In its press release, IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi reiterated the Authority’s mandate to probe deaths and injuries linked to police action.
“In line with the provisions of the IPOA Act, which mandates the Authority to investigate deaths and injuries occasioned by police action, a Rapid Response Team has this morning been dispatched to the area,” she stated.
IPOA assured the public that where fault is established, appropriate recommendations would follow, including possible prosecution.
“Where fault is established, the Authority shall make appropriate recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution,” Mwangi noted.
The Authority also expressed sympathy to affected families, saying, “Meanwhile, the Authority condoles with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wishes those who were injured a full recovery.”
Both the County Government and IPOA have urged residents to allow due process to take its course.
The Governor highlighted corrective measures already undertaken at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, including cleaning, infrastructural interventions, and disciplinary action against negligent staff, while IPOA pledged impartial investigations.
Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, a native of Mbeere North, expressed his personal connection to the incident.
“As a son of this soil, this is personal,” he stated.
“These are my people, citizens who had taken to the streets not in violence, but in protest over the deteriorating state of healthcare in our county. Instead of listening to their cries, the response was bullets.”
Muturi raised sharp concerns about accountability, particularly reports that officers involved were in plain clothes.
“Who was in charge? Who gave the orders? Why are peaceful citizens being treated as enemies? This is not the Kenya we should be building. A nation where citizens are gunned down for demanding basic services is a nation drifting dangerously off course,” he declared.
He vowed to pursue justice relentlessly, demanding transparency and reform.
“I will not rest until justice is served. I demand an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into this incident. We cannot normalize violence against unarmed citizens. Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done,” Muturi affirmed.