The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that two people were killed Tuesday when a planned demonstration outside Ishiara Level 4 Hospital in Embu County broke into violence, leaving businesses vandalized and several bystanders injured.

The April 14 protest in Evurore Ward had been formally communicated to police by community representatives and began peacefully before it was overtaken by armed groups, according to a NPS statement released Wednesday.

“Although the protests began well, what was witnessed soon afterwards was a shocking and unacceptable degeneration into criminal acts and violence by people who were not peaceful protestors,” the NPS said.

Officers who intervened to restore order were confronted with stones and other dangerous projectiles, police said.

The NPS added that any loss of life is something that the Service takes great exception to, as one life lost is one too many while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been notified and will carry out independent investigations into the deaths and destruction.

“The police shall give maximum cooperation to this independent body,” the statement noted, adding that a full documentation and accountability process is underway.

The NPS has appealed for witnesses to share information at the nearest police station or through toll-free lines 999 and 911.

The Service pledged transparency and said it remains committed to the law as it works with IPOA to determine how the protest descended into chaos.