EMBU, Kenya- Police have confirmed that six vehicles were burnt during violence that erupted at a UDA meeting led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County.
The Saturday meeting had brought together more than 10,000 UDA polling-centre officials as the ruling party stepped up grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Chaos began after a large group of residents denied entry tried to force their way into the venue.
Witnesses said some members of the group believed those admitted to the meeting were receiving Sh2,000 and demanded to be allowed inside.
Police officers guarding the venue lobbed teargas to disperse the crowd as the confrontation intensified. Gunshots were also reportedly heard during the disturbance.
Two people were initially feared dead, while several others were reported injured following the police response and a stampede at the venue.
Six vehicles were set ablaze during the violence, including cars belonging to journalists covering the meeting.
Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi was among those affected after his vehicle was burnt.
Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi and Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru also reportedly lost their vehicles in the incident.
Footage from Nembure Stadium showed thick smoke rising from vehicles as people fled the venue. Women were among those seen scampering for safety as teargas spread through the crowd.
Kindiki evacuated
Kindiki was evacuated from the stadium as security officers cleared a path for him to leave.
Before his evacuation, the Deputy President attempted to calm those who remained inside the venue and insisted that the meeting would continue.
“Don’t worry, we are okay. The Government of Kenya is here, so there is no problem,” Kindiki said.
“If there are those who want to fight with the government, there is no problem. We will continue with our meeting, and they can go on with theirs. You cannot bring violence into a meeting that is not yours.”
Kindiki later said the meeting brought together more than 10,000 UDA members drawn from polling centres across Embu County.
He said the engagement was intended to review the government’s delivery of its manifesto and prepare party officials to counter what he described as misinformation about the administration’s record.
