Two Killed in Mbeere North Clashes During Protests Over Health Services

Violent clashes between police officers and protesters in Mbeere North on Tuesday, April 14, left at least two people dead following demonstrations over poor health services at Ishihara Level 4 Hospital.

Tensions escalated after a group of youths took to the streets, expressing anger over what they termed the continued neglect of the hospital.

They raised concerns over shortages of medicine, inadequate staffing, and poor infrastructure, which they said had made access to healthcare difficult for residents.

As tensions grew, protesters disrupted normal activities across several trading centres. They blocked major roads, paralysing transport for hours and forcing businesses to close as the situation intensified.

Roads Blocked as Tensions Escalate

Subsequently, security officers moved in to restore order. However, the operation triggered confrontations between police and demonstrators. Officers fired teargas while protesters responded by throwing stones, leading to running battles in several areas.

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By late afternoon, authorities confirmed two deaths. However, they did not immediately release details on how the victims died. Several other people sustained injuries during the clashes, and their condition remains unclear.

The violence disrupted business activities across the region, with transport operators and traders reporting losses after hours of stalled operations. Normalcy has since returned, although a heavy security presence remains in place as investigations continue.

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Leaders Call for Calm and Dialogue

Meanwhile, community leaders urged residents to remain calm and avoid further violence. They called for dialogue between authorities and locals to address the ongoing concerns about Ishihara Level 4 Hospital, which has faced repeated complaints.

In addition, leaders pressed for urgent intervention to improve healthcare services in the facility, warning that continued neglect could trigger further unrest.

Authorities have launched inquiries into the incident as they seek to establish what triggered the fatal confrontation.

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Anti-finance bill protests in Nairobi CBD in June 2024. PHOTO/ Edwin Hinda.