Two men died while receiving treatment at Kerugoya County Referral Hospital after being injured during a forced eviction in Gitaraka, Embu County.

John Kamau and Julius Bararu were among 15 alleged thugs hired by landowner Jane Wahito Ndirangu to evict squatters from her Gitaraka property physically.

PHOTO | COURTESY police line

According to police accounts, the gang, commanded by Pius Nyoike, arrived at the spot and dismantled improvised buildings before being overrun by the squatters, who assaulted them with clubs and machetes.

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In the subsequent melee, Kamau, Bararu, and Antony Mwangi suffered significant head injuries.

Local police quickly intervened and took control of the situation.

"All twelve were taken into custody at Karaba Police Station for causing a disturbance likely to cause a breach of peace." Following the severity of the injuries inflicted, they were freed on monetary bond."

PHOTO | COURTESY police line

Due to the severity of their injuries, Kamau, Bararu, and Mwangi were taken to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital for medical attention.

Unfortunately, Kamau and Bararu's illnesses worsened, and they died in the hospital while receiving treatment on Thursday night.

"John Kamau and Julius Baragu were transferred to Kerugoya Country Referral Hospital where they succumbed to the injuries at around 1900hrs. Report on their demise was received by John Muraguri, cousin to one of the deceased persons," the police report reads.