Morris Mugo, 32 (left), and Patrick Munene Kariuki, 22. The two were fatally shot during protests over poor hospital services in Mbeere North.
When Morris Mugo joined protesters demanding better services at Ishiara Level Four Hospital on April 14, 2026, he expected authorities to listen and act on their grievances.
Instead, in a tragic turn of events, the 32-year-old plumber ended up at the Embu Level Five Hospital mortuary, fatally shot during the chaos.
Residents of Mbeere North had taken to the streets to protest what they described as the poor state of the hospital when riot police opened fire, killing two young men and bringing business in the usually busy Ishiara town to a standstill.
Mugo bled to death after he was shot in the neck. His family says he was an innocent victim of what they termed a trigger-happy police officer.
“My son had no weapon and should not have been shot during peaceful protests. As a family, we want justice,” said his father, Mr Nephat Njoka. They described Mugo as a hardworking man whose life was cut short abruptly.
“He was doing casual plumbing jobs in the area and took his work seriously,” said his brother, Mr Peterson Njeru.
“The death of our brother, the last-born in a family of four, is a big blow to us. Those who killed him must be exposed and brought to book,” he added.
The second victim, Patrick Munene Kariuki, 22, also died from gunshot injuries, leaving his family reeling in shock.
His mother, Ms Nancy Karimi, described him as a diligent young man who worked as a casual labourer to support the family.
“My son had just started life. He had acquired his identity card and was helping me pay bills at home. I have lost not only a son but a pillar of my home,” she said.
Several other residents were injured during the confrontation and are still receiving treatment.
Authorities say investigations are under way. A team of detectives was on Thursday dispatched to Mbeere North to establish the circumstances surrounding the shootings.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said its rapid response team would gather evidence and determine the facts.
IPOA vice chairperson Ms Ann Wanjiku said the authority would make appropriate recommendations, including prosecution, where culpability is established. She urged residents to remain calm as investigations proceed.
National Police Service Spokesperson Michael Nyaga Muchiri during an interview at his office at Jogoo House in Nairobi on July 2, 2025.
The National Police Service (NPS) also confirmed it had launched investigations.
“A special team of detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters has been dispatched to carry out thorough investigations. NPS is aware that IPOA has also commenced its independent probe,” said police spokesperson Mr Muchiri Nyaga.
He added that regional and county security teams had moved into the area to assess the situation.
“To ensure fair, transparent and impartial investigations, the Inspector-General has directed the immediate recall of the Officer Commanding Station for the affected area,” he said.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire condemned the killings, terming the use of excessive force against unarmed protesters unacceptable.
“The situation did not warrant the level of force that resulted in this tragic outcome,” she said.
She called for immediate, thorough and independent investigations and urged that those responsible be held accountable.
The governor also appealed to residents of Mbeere North to remain calm and allow due process to take its course, while urging leaders to avoid politicising the incident and instead support efforts towards justice and accountability.
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