EMBU, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into deadly violence that disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party meeting in Nembure, Embu County, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred on Saturday, September 12, during a UDA meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said police officers responded after a group of individuals allegedly attempted to storm the meeting.
According to Nyaga, officers repulsed the group and arrested several suspects at the scene before restoring order.
“The National Police Service condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous and criminal conduct of a group of individuals who attempted to storm a public meeting presided over by the Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, in Nembure, Embu County,” Nyaga said.
He said officers acted after the group allegedly attempted to breach the meeting.
“Upon the group’s unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants. Several suspects were arrested at the scene, and law and order was swiftly restored,” he added.
One person killed, vehicles torched
The violence resulted in the death of one person, while several others sustained injuries.
Police also reported that six vehicles were torched during the chaos.
The circumstances surrounding the death, injuries and destruction of property are now part of the investigation.
Nyaga said detectives would establish what happened and identify those responsible for the violence.
“Investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident, and no effort will be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all persons involved,” the NPS spokesperson said.
The police have not, in the statement provided, disclosed the identity of the person who died or the number of people injured.
Police warn against political violence
The NPS warned that individuals found to have participated in the violence would face legal action.
Nyaga said the warning extended to anyone involved in similar acts of lawlessness.
“Let this serve as an unequivocal warning: any individual found to have participated in this or any similar act of lawlessness will be pursued relentlessly. Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law. There will be no exceptions,” he said.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the confrontation and determine the responsibility of those involved.
Kindiki condemns disruption
Deputy President Kindiki also condemned the violence, saying the UDA party regretted the loss of life and damage caused during the disruption of the Embu meeting.
Kindiki said the party believed the incident resulted from efforts to mobilise young people to disrupt the meeting.
“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/or damage brought about by those responsible for organizing the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today,” he wrote.
He described the incident as unacceptable and called on security agencies to take action against those responsible for political violence.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” Kindiki said.
UDA to assess damage
Kindiki said UDA’s leadership in Embu had been directed to establish the extent of the damage and coordinate assistance for people affected by the violence.
“Our party leadership in Embu has been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and/or damage, and to coordinate responses to stand in solidarity with all those adversely affected in one way or another,” he said.
The party is expected to assess the damage to vehicles and other property as authorities continue investigating the incident.
Embu violence raises political tensions
The violence comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political parties and leaders increasingly holding meetings and mobilising supporters across the country.
The Nembure incident has raised fresh concerns over the use of violence to disrupt political gatherings and the potential for confrontations between rival groups.
The NPS has pledged to pursue those found responsible, while UDA has called for action against individuals involved in political violence.
For now, investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances of the incident, including the events that led to the death, injuries and destruction of property.
