The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) is set to investigate the shooting of protesters in Embu after the number of those who died rose to three.
The incident happened on Tuesday at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital, where residents had gathered to protest over poor services at the facility.
The NPS stated that the rally initially began in a peaceful manner, although chaos ensued once the police intervened.
Injured by the live bullets shot by the police officers, two individuals lost their lives immediately, whereas another individual who was injured succumbed to his/her injuries at the hospital.
The police force has called upon citizens to provide any leads that could assist in the investigation process since IPOA is already aware of the situation.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said that the police will give all their support to the investigation.
Nairobi County Commissioner Nalyanya Wanyonyi stated that there would be an investigation of the police officers who used live ammunition and they would face consequences in case of any wrongdoing.
The people protested against the hospital over issues related to insufficient drugs, poor ambulance services, and poor health care condition.
They have since demanded an auditing exercise of the hospital’s financial accounts and called for a change in management.
Cecily Mbarire, Governor of Embu County, criticized the firing of live bullets to the protesters and described the action as not being acceptable.
Mbarire added that the county was in the process of investigating the issue at the hospital and had even met with the hospital personnel.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
