Embu: Two people shot dead by police in protests over hospital crisis

Two demonstrators were allegedly shot dead by police during protests in Ishiara, Mbeere North, marking a tragic turn in what began as peaceful demonstrations over the deteriorating state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.

According to eyewitness accounts, residents - mostly youth - had taken to the streets to demand urgent intervention from the Embu County government, citing persistent challenges at the facility, including lack of drugs, inadequate staffing, and poor service delivery.

The protesters marched along major roads chanting slogans and carrying placards calling for reforms in the health sector.

Tension reportedly escalated when police officers attempted to disperse the crowd. Witnesses claim that officers fired live bullets, fatally injuring two demonstrators.

Several others are said to have sustained injuries in the chaos, with some rushed to nearby health facilities for treatment.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and leaders, who have condemned the use of excessive force against unarmed protesters.

Locals are now demanding accountability from security agencies, calling for immediate investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

Tension still remains high in Ishiara town following the incident, amid growing frustration among residents over the state of healthcare services, with renewed calls for urgent reforms at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.