EMBU, Kenya — Detectives in Embu have arrested two suspects in connection with the violent disruption of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds that left one person dead, several police officers injured and vehicles torched.
The meeting was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and attended by senior national and county leaders before violence erupted, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement on Sunday, September 13, the DCI said groups of youths engaged security officers in running battles as the situation deteriorated.
“Detectives in Embu have launched investigations into yesterday’s violent disruption of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds, with suspects already arrested as the crackdown on those behind the chaos gathers momentum,” the DCI said.
The agency confirmed that two suspects had been arrested, while detectives continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the unrest and pursuing additional people suspected to have been involved.
One person killed as violence erupts
According to the DCI, the unrest resulted in the death of one person and injuries to several police officers.
Several motor vehicles were also torched during the violence before security officers managed to restore order.
The agency said detectives were working to establish the sequence of events and identify everyone linked to the criminal acts committed during the disruption.
“Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, with detectives pursuing additional suspects linked to the criminal acts committed during the unrest,” the DCI said.
The identities of the two suspects arrested had not been disclosed in the statement.
DCI warns against political violence
The DCI warned that political differences could not be used to justify violence, destruction of property or attacks on police officers.
The agency said individuals involved in violent acts would be pursued regardless of their political affiliation.
“The DCI warns that political differences must never become a licence for lawlessness. No grievance, disagreement or political affiliation places anyone above the law,” the agency said.
It added that people suspected of attacking others, torching vehicles, destroying property, barricading public roads or assaulting police officers would be arrested and prosecuted.
The warning comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival political camps increasingly holding public meetings and mobilising supporters across the country.
Gachagua reveals Kindiki WhatsApp message
The violence has also triggered a political exchange between former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his successor, Kithure Kindiki.
Gachagua said on Sunday that Kindiki sent him a WhatsApp message following the disruption of the UDA meeting.
According to Gachagua, the message directly addressed his political position and his decision not to work with the government.
In the message, Kindiki said he respected Gachagua’s decision but accused him of choosing to confront him politically.
“My brother, I have always respected you and your decision not to work with us. However you have decided to fight me directly, but there is no problem, I am ready,” Kindiki wrote.
Kindiki says Embu meeting was his political engagement
Kindiki also challenged Gachagua’s assertion that his political differences were with President William Ruto and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, rather than with him personally.
The Deputy President said the Nembure meeting was his own political engagement and was not an event organised by either Ruto or Mbarire.
“No need to lie that you have no problem with me and that your problem is William Ruto and Cecily Mbarire. Today’s meeting was not William Ruto’s or Cecily Mbarire’s; it was my meeting. It is okay,” the message stated.
The exchange highlights the increasingly direct political rivalry between the two former and current deputy presidents as political alignments take shape ahead of the 2027 elections.
Investigation continues
The DCI said investigations into the Embu violence remain ongoing, with detectives pursuing additional suspects.
The agency’s warning signals a tougher response to political violence, particularly acts involving attacks on security officers, destruction of property and disruption of public roads.
