Two suspects have been arrested following the violent disruption of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) delegates’ meeting at Nembure Grounds in Embu, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says.
In a statement on Sunday, the DCI said detectives had launched investigations into the unrest, which occurred during a meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and attended by senior national and county leaders.
According to the DCI, one person was killed, several police officers injured and several vehicles torched during the violence, as groups of youths engaged security officers in running battles before order was restored.
“Two suspects have already been arrested in connection with the incident,” the DCI said in a statement.
The agency said investigations were continuing, with detectives pursuing additional suspects linked to what it described as criminal acts committed during the unrest.
The DCI warned that political differences should not be used to justify violence or other criminal activity.
“Political differences must never become a licence for lawlessness,” the agency said.
“No grievance, disagreement or political affiliation places anyone above the law,” it added.
The agency said those involved in attacks, arson, destruction of property, blocking public roads or assaulting police officers would be pursued and brought to justice.
“Those who attack others, torch vehicles, destroy property, barricade public roads or assault police officers will be pursued, arrested and brought to justice,” it said.
The violence disrupted the UDA delegates’ meeting and prompted a security response as police officers sought to restore order at the grounds.
The DCI has appealed to members of the public with information about the incident to report it anonymously through its toll-free line or WhatsApp service, as detectives continue with the investigation.