A political meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Embu was thrown into chaos on Saturday, September 12, 2026, after a crowd disrupted the gathering, forcing police to use tear gas and leaving several vehicles reportedly damaged.
Kindiki condemned the confrontation at Nemburi Grounds in Manyatta Constituency and called on security agencies to take action against those responsible for the violence.
“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/ damage brought about by those responsible for organizing the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today,” he said.
The Deputy President said UDA would not support violence as a way of gaining political support, urging law enforcement agencies to deal with those behind the incident.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” Kindiki said.
The meeting had been organised by Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire but was disrupted after tensions erupted at the grounds.
Police officers moved in and fired tear gas as they sought to break up the crowd and restore order. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged during the confrontation.
Reports of possible casualties also emerged following the incident, although the number of people who may have been injured or killed had not been independently confirmed by the time of reporting.
Former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti separately expressed concern over the reports coming from Nemburi Grounds, describing the situation as unfortunate.
“I would like to make a statement about the information we are getting about the incident at Nemburu Grounds where people are losing their lives in a local setting. It is very unfortunate,” Kivuti said.
Kivuti also criticised the alleged involvement of organised groups in disrupting political gatherings, arguing that political leaders should be allowed to conduct their activities regardless of the parties they represent.
Kindiki said UDA wanted political competition to focus on what parties and leaders had done for Kenyans and what they planned to do in the future.
“The Party stands for issue-based politics and a contest around who or which party has a better development track record and policy goals for Kenya’s future,” he said.
He further rejected attempts to win political support by using falsehoods, violence or slogans, saying such tactics had no place in political competition.
Following the disruption, Kindiki said UDA leaders in Embu had been given the responsibility of confirming the extent of the losses and damage reported at the meeting.
He said the party leadership would organise the necessary response and remain in solidarity with those affected by the confrontation.
The incident occurred as political parties and leaders increase their activities ahead of the 2027 General Election, with meetings and mobilisation exercises being held in different parts of the country.
Kivuti appealed to Embu residents to shun violence and allow political leaders to compete peacefully, regardless of their political affiliations.