On 8th April 2023, during a protest along the Meru- Nairobi Highway, one Willis Mugambi was shot dead by the police who opened fire with live bullets while dispersing the crowds during the protest.
Willis Mugambi was the chairperson of the local Bodaboda Riders Association. The protest he was taking part in was after the murder of a resident named Daniel Mutembei who was murdered a month earlier and the culprits were yet to be apprehended by the police. Willis was shot in his chest killing him instantly. The standoff with the police lead to traffic along the highway thereby causing passengers to spend the night on the road.
The Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched an investigation into the killing of Willis Mugambi. The IPOA chair, Anne Mureithi stated that the death occurred due to police action and that the responsible party should be held accountable. This police action has been called out by different political players including the governor of Tharaka Nithi and Azimio party who called for police reforms.