A third victim has succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the Saba Saba protests in Kirinyaga County, bringing the confirmed death toll in the region to three.

James Muriithi, 41, who was shot on Monday at Makutano in Mwea, died on Thursday morning at Kenyatta National Hospital. According to his brother Benson Mwangi, Muriithi had been transferred from White Rose private hospital in Mutithi, where he had been admitted to the ICU.

His condition worsened, prompting an emergency transfer to KNH on Wednesday night, but he passed away hours later.

Residents of Rukanga and surrounding villages in Mutithi Ward have accused police officers from Makutano Police Station of firing indiscriminately during the protests.

Community leader Josphat Ngiringacha confirmed that three people, including Muriithi, were shot and taken to hospital.

The remaining two are still admitted with bullet wounds.

Two other protestors, Edward Ndambiri, 25, and Peter Macharia, 21, were fatally shot in Kutus and Kagu areas, respectively on Monday. Ndambiri was hit in the head and died on arrival at the hospital, while Macharia died later that night at Kerugoya Level 5 Hospital.

The families of the victims are demanding justice, urging the government to identify and prosecute the officers responsible. They condemned the excessive use of force by police during peaceful demonstrations and criticized authorities for failing to protect innocent citizens.