Police have blamed “criminal elements” for turning Tuesday’s protests in Embu County violent, saying what began as a peaceful demonstration was hijacked by individuals intent on chaos.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the National Police Service said reports indicated that the Evurore Ward community had formally notified authorities of a planned peaceful protest over conditions at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
“Reports indicate that the Evurore Ward community, through their representatives, had given the police notice of a peaceful demonstration against Ishiara Level 4 Hospital. Although the protests began well, what was witnessed soon afterwards was a shocking and unacceptable degeneration into criminal acts and violence by people who were not peaceful protestors. Many businesses were vandalised, and several bystanders were injured in the ensuing mayhem,” the statement read.
“The police swiftly intervened to restore law and order, only to be met with more violence from criminal elements carrying all manner of crude weapons, including stones and other dangerous projectiles. It left no doubt that the initial intentions were hijacked by individuals who were never interested in peaceful protests, law or order,” it said.
Despite this account, the demonstrations ended in tragedy, with at least two people shot dead during clashes between police and protesters in Ishiara Market, Mbeere North.
The protests were triggered by the poor state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, with residents citing a lack of essential drugs, poor infrastructure, and the absence of critical services.
Locals also described the facility as being in a deplorable condition, pointing to blocked toilets, lack of an ambulance, and dilapidated buildings.
Kindiki your people needs you!!! Where are you??? You keep saying wako tuterm you are now exposed mchana peupe!! pic.twitter.com/rnOlt0zhDs
— Mary Njoroge (@Maryian96) April 14, 2026
The two young men are said to have died on the spot after riot police opened fire on demonstrators. In anger, residents dumped the bodies at Ishiara Police Station in protest, demanding accountability.
Residents later poured into the streets of Ishiara town and surrounding areas, blocking roads and causing major traffic disruption, as running battles between protesters and police stretched for hours. Officers reportedly used live bullets to disperse crowds.
Following the killings, protesters accused police of using excessive force, while the governor and local leaders called for calm and demanded independent investigations.
The National Police Service has since commiserated with the families of the deceased, stating that any loss of life is unacceptable and that a full accountability process is underway.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has been notified so that full investigation can commence without delay and in a transparent manner. The police shall give maximum cooperation to this independent body,’’ the statement read.
