EMBU, Kenya — Police have said the violence that disrupted a UDA delegates’ meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County, began after a group of people attempted to force its way into the venue.
Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet said the group had not been invited to the meeting at Nembure Stadium and was denied entry by officers guarding the venue.
A confrontation subsequently broke out between the group and security officers, quickly escalating into violence outside the stadium.
Chebet confirmed that six vehicles were set ablaze during the chaos, while several others were vandalised.
According to the police commander, several officers were also injured while attempting to restore order and prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
The disturbance disrupted the political meeting as police moved in to contain the crowd and secure the venue.
Chebet said investigations had been launched to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify those responsible for the violence and destruction of property.
Police were also seeking to determine whether the disruption had been planned and who may have organised the group that attempted to enter the stadium.
No arrests had been made by the time the regional commander issued the update.
Chebet warned that those found to have participated in torching vehicles, vandalising property or attacking police officers would be arrested and prosecuted.
He said investigators would pursue everyone linked to the incident and assured residents that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The violence occurred during a UDA delegates’ meeting led by Kindiki as the ruling party intensified its political activities in Embu County.
UDA later condemned the disruption and called on law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible.
Kindiki said the party’s leadership in Embu had been asked to establish the extent of the injuries and property damage and coordinate assistance for those affected.
