- Two deaths have been confirmed after violent clashes between protesters and the police in Mbeere Kasakini, Embu County on Tuesday, April 14
- Protests erupted over the dire conditions at Ishiara Hospital Level 4, leading to violence as police resorted to live ammunition.
- The Small Business Association has condemned excessive police force and is calling for an independent investigation
Embu – At least two people have been confirmed dead following violence that broke out between protesters and armed police officers.
Source: Facebook
Citizen TV reported that what started as protest peace turned ugly in Mbeere North on Tuesday, April 14.
Initial reports indicate that the deceased were part of a group of young people who took to the streets to protest the poor condition of Ishihara Level 4 hospitals.
The protest that blocked the road for most of the day turned ugly in the afternoon when the police tried to disperse the protesters. Earlier, angry residents surrounded the busy Embu Highway with stones.
The situation worsened on Tuesday afternoon as police tried to chase away the protesters, who retaliated, leading to a clash in which live shots were reportedly fired, killing two people.
Several others are said to have sustained injuries in the chaos, while others were rushed to nearby health centers for treatment.
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 Small Business Association of Kenya (BNAK) strongly condemned the shooting, saying that there was no need for the police to use excessive force against peaceful protesters.
“The Small Business Association of Kenya (BNAK) is deeply saddened and saddened by the sad reports of the lives of two people missing in Ishiara, Mbeere North, Embu County, following what started as a peaceful protest by residents demanding better services at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital,” BNAK said,
They expressed concern about the increasing use of excessive force against protesters, including firing, in protests across the country.
The lobbying group called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incidents to ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“BNAK strongly condemns any use of excessive force against unarmed civilians. The loss of even one life in such a context is a very serious matter. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community of Ishiara at this painful time. We ask for a quick, independent, and transparent investigation into the incident to determine the truth and ensure accountability,” the lobbying group said.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
