Two youthful men died in cold blood after they were shot dead by police in Ishiara, Mbeere North constituency, Embu county.
The protesters were decrying the sorry state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
Speaking to the press, the demonstrators claimed that they were holding peceful protests.
“Our parents have continued to suffer, there are no drugs in the hospital…These are peaceful demonstrations…We want reshuffle of the bond of Ishiara Hospital,” said Kelvin Mwenda, a protestor.
Earlier, the demonstrators had blocked the road to Ishiara market with stones, which police were seen removing from road.
The situation escalated Tuesday afternoon as police tried to counter protesters, who retaliated, resulting in a confrontation during which live rounds were reportedly fired, causing two fatalities.
Several others are said to have sustained injuries in the chaos, with some rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.
The Ishiara Level 4 Hospital has been the subject of criticism recently, with ward representatives as recently as April 10 warning that the current state of the facility was unsustainable.
In a statement, the Biashara Ndogo Association of Kenya (BNAK) strongly condemned the shooting, arguing that there was no need for police to use excessive force on peaceful protesters.
“The Biashara Ndogo Association of Kenya (BNAK) is deeply saddened and disturbed by the tragic reports of two lives lost in Ishiara, Mbeere North, Embu County, following what began as a peaceful demonstration by residents demanding better services at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital,” BNAK said.
They expressed concerns over the increasing use of excessive force against protesters, including shootings, in demonstrations nationwide.
The lobby group called for independent and transparent investigations into the incidents to ensure those involved are held accountable.
“BNAK strongly condemns any excessive use of force against unarmed civilians. The loss of even one life in such a context is one too many. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and the community of Ishiara during this painful time. We call for an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident to establish the facts and ensure accountability, ” the lobby group said.
The demos were also attended by activist Billy Mwangi.
“The collapse of such a critical health facility is a clear sign of failed leadership and negligence that can no longer be tolerated. The people of Embu deserve dignified, reliable healthcare not empty promises. Those entrusted with leadership must be held to account for this failure and compelled to act without delay,” wrote Activist Billy Mwangi.
