Several people are feared dead and multiple vehicles reportedly torched after chaos broke out during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mobilisation meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Embu County.
The dramatic incident unfolded at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency on Saturday, September 12, forcing security officers to evacuate the Deputy President as tensions escalated outside the venue.
Kindiki had been leading a mobilisation exercise targeting UDA polling centre officials when the meeting was disrupted, with reports indicating that sections of the crowd clashed with police officers.
Vehicles Torched as Violence Escalates
Several vehicles were reportedly set ablaze during the confrontation, including cars belonging to journalists who had travelled to cover the political event.
Among those affected was Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi, whose vehicle was reportedly torched. Murimi was said to have escaped unharmed.
Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also reported to be safe after his vehicle was allegedly set on fire.
A vehicle belonging to Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru was similarly reported to have been torched.
The destruction of journalists’ vehicles added to the tension surrounding the meeting as security officers struggled to contain the rapidly deteriorating situation.
Crowd Denied Entry Before Confrontation
Initial reports suggested that the confrontation began after some residents were allegedly denied access to the stadium.
Tensions reportedly rose when sections of the crowd demanded entry to the venue before the situation escalated into a confrontation with security officers.
Police officers are said to have deployed tear gas to disperse the crowd and create a secure route for the Deputy President to leave the venue.
There were also reports that live ammunition was fired during the disorder, although the circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire and the number of casualties had not been independently established at the time of reporting.
Kindiki Tells Supporters: ‘We Are Okay’
Footage circulating from the event appeared to show Kindiki responding to a suspected disruption while addressing those inside the meeting.
The Deputy President sought to reassure attendees that the situation was under control and insisted that the UDA meeting would continue.
“Don’t worry, we are okay. The Government of Kenya is here, so there is no problem,” Kindiki said.
He added:
“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.”
Kindiki further warned against bringing violence into a political gathering.
“You cannot bring violence into a meeting that is not yours,” he said.
Kindiki’s Cryptic ‘Sawa’ Message
Following the chaos, Kindiki did not immediately issue a detailed statement explaining what had happened or addressing reports of casualties and torched vehicles.
Instead, he posted a brief message on X and Facebook, simply saying “Sawa”, meaning “okay” in Swahili.
He later provided a broader account of the meeting, saying it had brought together more than 10,000 UDA polling centre officials from across Embu County.
According to Kindiki, the officials were briefed on the government’s progress in implementing its manifesto and urged to defend the administration’s record against what he described as misinformation.
Political Tensions Rise Ahead of 2027
The Embu incident comes against the backdrop of increasing political activity across the country as parties and political formations intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Recent political gatherings have been marked by disruptions, confrontations and heightened security operations in different parts of the country.
The incident also follows the arrest of 12 suspects by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on September 9 over an alleged attempt to disrupt and block First Lady Rachel Ruto’s convoy after an event in Siaya County.
With political temperatures rising well ahead of the next election, Saturday’s confrontation in Embu is likely to raise fresh questions about political tolerance, crowd control and the safety of politicians, journalists and members of the public at political events.
Authorities had yet to provide a comprehensive account of the Embu incident, including an official confirmation of the reported deaths, injuries and circumstances surrounding the alleged use of live ammunition.
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