Ruku condemns Ishiara shootings, pledges justice and police accountability
By Emmanuel Rono, April 19, 2026Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has condemned the tragic shooting of young people in Ishiara, Mbeere North, during a protest.
Speaking during a public gathering on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Ruku described the incident as an inexcusable act that the government will not tolerate.
Ruku expressed deep sorrow and offered an apology to the families who lost their children, acknowledging the immense pain the community is enduring.
This comes following the death of two people who died from gunshot wounds after police clashed with demonstrators in Embu County on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
“Tutachukua hatua yoyote ile kama serikali ya Kenya kuchia kwamba yale ambayo ilifanyika ambapo vijana wadogo wamepigwa risasi na polisi hiyo ni jambo ambalo halifai kamwe. Na kama serikali tunasema ni pole sana ni pole kwa familia ambazo zimepoteza vijana watoto wao na tuko na uchungu mingi sana kama serikali,” Ruku said.
The victims were innocent
He emphasised that the victims were innocent, unarmed youth who did not deserve to lose their lives at the hands of law enforcement.
Ruku said that President William Ruto has been fully briefed on the incident and has received a detailed report regarding the act in Mbeere North.
Ruku revealed that key administrative changes have already been made within the police units in Ishiara and Mbeere North.
“najua tumekuwa na mkutano na rais wa jamhuri yetu ya ya Kenya ako na ripoti ya yale yote ambayo ilitendeka mapadiliko makubwa imefanywa katika kitengo ya polisi pale Ishiara na pia mbele north ili tuhakikishia kwamba tuko na watu ambao wanafanyia wananchi kazi na wanaielewa vizuri,” Ruku stated.
IPOA statement on shooting
In a statement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said officers responded to the demonstration and tried to restore public order in the area. Two people sustained fatal gunshot injuries during the incident, while several others received various injuries.
IPOA confirmed it has sent a Rapid Response Team to the area. The team will gather information and establish exactly what happened. The Authority acts under the IPOA Act, which requires it to investigate deaths and injuries caused by police action.
“Where fault is established, the Authority shall make appropriate recommendations, including but not limited to prosecution,” the statement read.
“The Authority condoles with the families and friends of those who lost their lives and wishes those who were injured a full recovery.”
Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leonard Wamuthende has announced, while visiting the grieving families of the two who tragically lost their lives during the demonstrations.
“As an MP for Mbeere North, I came to offer my condolences and assure the families that the government will stand with them during this difficult time,” he said.