Postmortem examinations have established that two young men who died during chaotic scenes at a UDA delegates’ meeting in Embu last week were killed by gunshot wounds, deepening scrutiny of how police handled the disturbance.
Pathologists who examined the bodies of Moses Munene, 30, a boda boda operator, and Mike Lewis, 23, a footballer and college student, said both men succumbed to single gunshot wounds that passed through their bodies. Munene is said to have been struck in the head, suffering extensive damage, while Lewis sustained a wound to the leg that caused a severe fracture and heavy internal bleeding. Doctors who conducted the examinations said the injuries were consistent with high-velocity gunfire.
The two men died during disturbances at Nembure Stadium, where Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was addressing a restricted UDA delegates’ meeting also attended by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire. According to accounts from the scene, crowds of youths who had been locked out of the venue attempted to force their way in, prompting police to respond with tear gas and, according to witnesses, live rounds fired toward the crowd. Several vehicles were also set ablaze during the ensuing chaos.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has since opened an investigation into the incident, with its officers recording statements from witnesses and reviewing police firearm deployment records. IPOA is expected to determine whether officers at the scene used excessive force in dispersing the crowd, a question that has taken on added weight now that gunshot wounds have been confirmed as the cause of death for both victims.
The incident has stirred anger in Embu and beyond, with residents and local leaders demanding accountability for the deaths. Families of the two men are said to be awaiting the release of full autopsy reports before burial arrangements can be finalised. Authorities have not yet named any officer in connection with the shootings, and police have not issued a detailed public account reconciling their version of events with witness testimony.