Two people died after clashes between protesters and police in Mbeere North on Tuesday, April 14. The youths were protesting the poor state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital. The demonstrations blocked roads for much of the day.
Two people were confirmed dead following clashes between protesters and police officers in Mbeere North on Tuesday, April 14. The deceased were among youths protesting the deplorable conditions at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital. The demonstrations, which blocked roads including the Embu Highway with rocks, turned violent in the afternoon as police dispersed the crowd using live rounds.
The hospital has faced criticism in recent weeks, with ward representatives warning on April 10 that its state was unsustainable. Viral social media photos showed dilapidated infrastructure, including leaking ward roofs. As a primary care facility held in high regard by locals, residents have demanded the county government upgrade it.
This marks the second protester shooting incident in April, after two were killed in Siaya during an attempt to storm a police post over a gold mining site eviction. The clashes coincide with national calls to curb goonism. On Sunday, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen authorised Inspector General Douglas Kanja to address it with full ministry support.