Kenya’s National Police Service has issued a stern warning against individuals involved in violent clashes that erupted during a public meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County.
The NPS said one person was killed, several others injured and six vehicles torched when chaos broke out at the UDA meeting on Saturday, September 12.
According to the police, a group of individuals who had not been invited to the meeting attempted to storm the venue, prompting officers to intervene and disperse them.
NPS: ‘No Effort Will Be Spared’
In a strongly worded statement, the National Police Service condemned what it described as an attempt to disrupt a public meeting attended by the Deputy President.
“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.”
Police said officers acted decisively after the group allegedly attempted to breach the meeting.
Several suspects were arrested at the scene before security officers restored order.
“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,” the NPS said.
One Dead, Six Vehicles Torched
The police confirmed that the confrontation had deadly consequences.
One person was fatally injured during the violence, while several others sustained injuries.
The clashes also resulted in extensive destruction of property, with six vehicles reportedly set on fire.
The NPS said investigations had commenced to establish exactly how the confrontation unfolded and identify everyone involved.
“Regrettably, one person was fatally injured, six vehicles were torched, and several persons were injured during the chaos.”
The Service added that investigators would pursue those responsible for the violence.
Police Issue Fresh Warning
In one of its strongest warnings following a political gathering in recent months, the NPS said anyone found to have participated in the violence would face the full force of the law.
“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.”
Police further stated:
“Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law. There will be no exceptions.”
The warning comes as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, injuries and destruction of property.
How the Embu Meeting Descended Into Chaos
The violence erupted at Nembure Stadium, where Kindiki was leading a UDA mobilisation meeting targeting party polling centre officials.
Reports indicated that groups of local youths were denied entry into the venue, after which tensions began to rise.
The confrontation quickly escalated into running battles involving crowds, rival groups and police officers.
Security officers were eventually forced to evacuate Kindiki from the venue as they attempted to restore order and secure his exit.
The incident also resulted in vehicles belonging to journalists being damaged or torched, raising further concerns over the safety of members of the media covering political events.
Kindiki Calls for Action
Following the violence, Kindiki condemned the disruption and called for those responsible for the destruction to be held accountable.
The Deputy President also directed UDA leaders in Embu to assess the extent of the damage caused during the clashes.
He asked the party leadership to establish the losses suffered and coordinate a response for those affected.
The Nembure violence comes amid heightened political activity across Kenya as parties and political leaders step up mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
With tensions increasingly spilling into political gatherings, the latest incident is likely to intensify debate over political tolerance, crowd control and the safety of citizens, journalists and political leaders at public meetings.
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