Police vow to cooperate with IPOA after fatal shooting of protesters in Embu
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, April 15, 2026The National Police Service (NPS) has expressed its sympathy to the families of two individuals who were killed in demonstrations in Embu County, as it promised to be transparent and accountable in investigating the unfortunate event.
The NPS, in a statement on X on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, confirmed that in a press statement, the Office of the Inspector General stated that the fatalities were a result of demonstrations at Ishiara in Mbeere North. The protests arose due to increasing community anger about the pathetic condition of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital in Embu County.
“The National Police Service commiserates with the families, friends, and relatives of two persons who tragically lost their lives near Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, Embu County, yesterday, April 14, 2026. Any loss of life is something that the Service takes great exception to, as one life lost is one too many,” the NPS said in a statement.
The statement revealed that the situation deteriorated, resulting in violent confrontations during what initially began as peaceful demonstrations. Two demonstrators reportedly lost their lives in the unrest.
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,” the NPS statement added.
Citizens had gone to the streets to call on the government of Embu County to intervene immediately by citing the challenges that had persisted at the facility, such as a shortage of vital drugs, a staffing shortage, and ineffective service delivery. The demonstrators held processions along highways and chanted and bore placards demanding change in the health sector.
The police observed that, though the protests were peaceful at first, there were criminal elements that infiltrated, which resulted in the use of crude weapons like stones and other projectiles. This upsurge, according to authorities, derailed what had been a legal protest.
NPS promises transparency and accountability
The NPS has initiated a full investigation into the incident, ensuring complete transparency. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already received notification to guarantee accountability and impartiality in the investigation.
The service also requested members of the populace who had any information on the incident to report to the nearest police station or through official communication avenues to help with investigations.
Restating its belief in the rule of law, the National Police Service stressed that it will collaborate closely with the oversight agencies to determine the circumstances of the deaths and deliver justice.