Tension still high in Ishiara following shooting of two peaceful protesters in Embu
Tension is still high in Ishiara area, Mbeere North constituency in Embu County a day after two people were shot dead during peaceful protests over poor health services that turned chaotic, sparking outrage and sharp condemnation from political leaders.
Yesterday, residents had taken to the streets to protest the deteriorating state of Ishiara Level Four Hospital when police moved in to disperse the crowds. Gunfire rang out during the confrontation, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
In dramatic scenes, angry locals ferried the bodies of the victims and dumped them outside Ishiara Police Station in protest, accusing officers of using excessive force against unarmed demonstrators.
Area Governor Cecily Mbarire strongly condemned the shootings, calling for accountability and an independent investigation into the police action.
She decried what she described as the use of “excessive force against unarmed demonstrators,” urging security agencies to exercise restraint and protect civilian lives.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and DCP party leader also weighed in, condemning the killings and calling for those responsible to be held accountable. He urged authorities to prioritise dialogue over force when handling civilian protests.
Former Attorney General Justin Muturi expressed deep pain and anger following the tragic killings .
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Muturi described the incident as deeply personal, declaring that the victims were ordinary citizens who took to the streets not to cause violence, but to demand better health services, functional facilities, and basic human dignity.
In a strongly worded statement, the former Speaker of the National Assembly and prominent Embu leader said:
“I speak with deep pain and anger as my home, Mbeere North in Embu County, mourns the loss of two lives cut short after police allegedly opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in Ishiara,” the statement read in part.
Lawmakers expressed alarm over the incident, warning of the dangers posed by heavy-handed policing.
The shooting has reignited concerns over police conduct during public demonstrations, with leaders questioning how lethal force was deployed against civilians protesting service delivery failures.
Witnesses said tensions escalated rapidly as police attempted to disperse the demonstrators, leading to the fatal shooting.
The protests were triggered by long-standing grievances over poor healthcare services in the area, with residents demanding urgent intervention from authorities.
The incident has now placed security agencies under scrutiny, with calls for justice growing louder as leaders and residents demand answers over the deaths.
