Postmortem Links Death of Two in Embu Protests to Excess Bleeding From Gunshot Wounds
The autopsies, conducted on April 20 at Embu Level 5 Hospital mortuary, revealed that both victims died from massive haemorrhage resulting from single gunshot injuries sustained during protests in Ishiara. The demonstrations had been sparked by public outcry over deteriorating conditions at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
According to Dr Grace Midigo, a pathologist at the Ministry of Health, the findings pointed to severe internal bleeding as the primary cause of death in both cases.
“For both of them, the cause of death was massive haemorrhage due to a single gunshot injury sustained. One had a gunshot injury entry on the anterior neck surface, and the exit was on the back. The other had an entry injury through the mouth, but there was no exit,” she explained.
Midigo further disclosed that a bullet was recovered from one of the bodies and handed over to investigators for forensic analysis, a move expected to play a critical role in determining the source of the fatal shots.
“We managed to retrieve the bullet, which we have given to the homicide team, and they are going to do a ballistic examination on it,” she added.
The deceased were identified as 21-year-old Patrick Munene Kariuki and 32-year-old Morris Mugo Njoka. They are among three people who lost their lives following protests held on April 14, which were triggered by longstanding grievances over the state of healthcare services at Ishiara Level 4 Hospital.
Residents had taken to the streets to protest issues including drug shortages, unreliable ambulance services, and inadequate infrastructure at the facility. However, what began as a demonstration reportedly escalated into chaos, prompting a police response.
Witness accounts indicate that officers opened fire while attempting to disperse the crowd, leading to the fatal shooting of the two victims. A third individual, who sustained serious injuries during the confrontation, later died in hospital.
The group alleged that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) restricted their access to the autopsy proceedings and denied them the official report. Additionally, they claimed that families of the deceased were discouraged from engaging with the media.
“We demand immediate arrest and charges of the officers responsible; swift, independent investigations by IPOA; and urgent fixing of Ishiara Level 4 hospital, with drugs, an ambulance and proper facilities. We are simply demanding our constitutional rights,” said Stacy Akinyi of VOCAL Africa.
Further action has already been taken within the police service, with Inspector General Douglas Kanja ordering the immediate recall of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) in Ishiara as investigations continue.
The developments have underscored growing concerns over the handling of public protests and the use of force by law enforcement, particularly in situations involving socio-economic grievances. As investigations proceed, attention remains focused on whether accountability measures will be implemented and whether underlying issues raised by residents will be addressed.
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Postmortem Links Death of Two in Embu Protests to Excess Bleeding From Gunshot Wounds
