Tension gripped Ishiara in Mbeere North, Embu County, after two people were shot dead during protests over the deteriorating state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
The incident, which residents claim involved police officers, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over the handling of peaceful demonstrations.
Witnesses said the victims were part of a group of youths who had taken to the streets to demand urgent action over poor healthcare services at the facility.
The demonstrators accused authorities of neglect, citing lack of essential drugs, understaffing, and dilapidated infrastructure at the hospital.
According to locals, the protest had initially been peaceful, with residents chanting and carrying placards highlighting their grievances.
However, the situation reportedly escalated when police moved in to disperse the crowd, leading to chaos and panic among demonstrators.
It was during this confrontation that gunshots were heard, leaving two youths fatally injured.
Their deaths have since triggered anger among residents, who are now demanding justice and accountability from security agencies.
Some residents accused the police of using excessive force against unarmed protesters, insisting that their demands were legitimate and long overdue.
Leaders from the area have called for calm while urging the government to launch immediate investigations into the incident.
Human rights groups have also weighed in, calling for transparency and prosecution of those responsible for the killings.
The incident has further exposed the growing frustration among residents over the state of public healthcare in the region.
For many, the deaths of the two youths represent not just a tragedy, but a painful reminder of systemic failures in service delivery.
Authorities are yet to issue a detailed statement on the incident, even as pressure mounts for answers.
Meanwhile, families of the victims are left grieving, as the community struggles to come to terms with the shocking turn of events.
