NAIROBI, Kenya- Detectives have arrested another suspect in connection with the deadly violence that disrupted a United Democratic Alliance delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds in Embu County.
The arrest on Monday, September 14, brings to three the number of suspects detained over the violence, which left one person dead, several police officers injured and several vehicles torched.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the latest suspect was arrested in the Kithimu area of Embu town during a coordinated operation.
The operation involved detectives from the DCI Headquarters Operations Support Team and the Criminal Investigations and Intelligence Branch.
The agency did not disclose the suspect’s identity or the specific offences investigators intend to recommend against him.
“One more suspect behind the deadly violence and destruction witnessed during the United Democratic Alliance delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds on Saturday, September 12, 2026, has been arrested,” the DCI said.
The arrest came a day after detectives announced that two people had been detained as investigations into the unrest continued.
Detectives pursue more suspects
The DCI said officers were analysing evidence to identify and arrest other people believed to have participated in the violence.
“His arrest comes as detectives intensify efforts to identify and apprehend other suspects believed to have participated in the violence,” the agency said.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and attended by senior national and county leaders, including UDA national chairperson and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire.
Violence erupted after groups of youths confronted security officers outside the venue. Police engaged the groups in running battles and used tear gas as the situation deteriorated.
The DCI said the unrest resulted in attacks, the burning of vehicles, destruction of property, obstruction of public roads and assaults against police officers.
“The DCI remains relentless in pursuing those responsible for the criminal acts committed during the unrest,” the agency said.
“Those who participated in the violence, regardless of their motive or affiliation, will be identified, arrested and brought to justice.”
Political accusations follow unrest
UDA condemned the disruption and asked the DCI, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties to investigate.
The party said political competition should be conducted through ideas and lawful democratic processes rather than intimidation and destruction.
Governor Mbarire said police had received information that some people planned to disrupt the meeting. She said trouble began when stones were thrown towards the gathering, forcing officers to disperse the crowd.
Political leaders have offered conflicting accounts of who organised the groups involved in the unrest. Investigators have not publicly identified the organisers or established their political affiliation.
The DCI said its investigation would pursue all those responsible, irrespective of their motive or association.
The suspects are expected to undergo questioning before detectives decide on the charges to recommend to prosecutors.
