Police face heat over fatal shootings of protesters in Ishiara

The use of live ammunition by the National Police Service against unarmed civilians has sparked fresh outrage following deadly protests in Ishiara, Mbeere North, Embu County.

Two people were shot dead on Tuesday during the peaceful protests over the deteriorated state of Ishiara Level 4 Hospital that turned deadly.

Democratic Party of Kenya National Chairperson Peter Ndubai condemned the incident, describing it as part of a troubling pattern of excessive force by security agencies during public demonstrations.

In a statement, Ndubai linked the Ishiara killings to earlier incidents during the 2024 and 2025 Finance Bill protests, where several young Kenyans lost their lives while demonstrating against economic hardship and governance concerns.

He said the victims in Ishiara were law-abiding citizens protesting over deteriorating health care services at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, and accused authorities of responding with unlawful and disproportionate force.

“Their voices should have been heard, not silenced,” Ndubai said, adding that the deaths represent both a national tragedy and a personal loss to the local community.

He warned that continued use of force against civilians risks undermining Kenya’s democratic foundations.

“A nation that turns its guns on its own people for speaking out is a nation that is walking a dangerous path away from democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

Citing the Constitution of Kenya, Ndubai argued that the use of lethal force against peaceful demonstrators violates fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity and peaceful assembly.

He called for an independent and transparent investigation into the Ishiara incident and previous protest-related deaths, urging authorities to hold culpable officers accountable.

Ndubai also pressed for an urgent review of public order policing to align enforcement with constitutional standards and restore public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

Separately, Ndubai criticised the continued rise in fuel prices, warning that the increases are worsening the cost of living and straining households across the country.

He said the escalating prices are driving up production and transport costs, compounding economic hardship for ordinary Kenyans.

Ndubai challenged the Ministry of Energy to explain the fuel pricing structure, alleging inefficiencies and possible corruption within the sector.

“Kenyans cannot continue to suffer while a few individuals benefit at their expense,” he said.

He warned that leaders will continue to push for accountability, saying citizens deserve policies that ease, rather than worsen, their economic burden.

The latest developments add to the growing scrutiny of police conduct during protests, amid rising public concern over the use of force in managing civil demonstrations and broader frustrations over the high cost of living.

Police on Thursday issued a statement saying the issue is under active investigation and any officer found culpable will face the law adding that they do not condone killings of civilians.