Tension remains high in Chuka, Tharaka Nithi County, with demonstrators paralyzing transport along the Embu-Meru Highway.
On Saturday, a family barricaded the road with a casket carrying the remains of their kin, who was allegedly murdered in cold blood last week.
Relatives of the deceased accused the police of protecting the suspects and vowed to remain in the streets until justice is served.
Hundreds of residents joined the family in demanding justice.
As the situation escalated, police had a hard time restoring normalcy. Motorists were stranded for many hours on the highway.
Officers lobbed teargas to disperse the irate protesters, but they retaliated by burning tyres.
After hours of standoff, the police resorted to using live bullets, killing one person.
The deceased protester has been identified as Willis Mugambi alias Kiraku, the chairman of boda boda association in the area and a powerful grassroot mobilizer.
It is reported he was at the forefront during the protests, but it was not immediately clear whether the cops targeted him or they were shooting indiscriminately.
Probe
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has condemned the fatal shooting and dispatched a team of investigators to probe Kiraku’s death as well as the other case of suspected murder.
“Tonight, high- level investigative teams have been dispatched to Chuka Town to take over enquiry and recommend legal action on those found responsible for the death of one person last week as well as a second person shot dead during the demonstrations that caused the blocking of the Embu- Meru Highway most of the afternoon today.
“Any person(s) at whom evidence will point shall face the course of justice. Condolences to the families and friends of the two deceased persons and to the affected communities. Residents are urged to remain calm and allow impartial investigations following which prosecution shall ensue,” he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, protesters returned to the streets this morning, now demanding justice for two.
In the first case, police have defended themselves, saying they cannot arrest the suspects since they rushed to court and obtained anticipatory bail.
