Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji has denied allegations that he orchestrated the violence that disrupted a UDA meeting addressed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County.
Mukunji says the accusations are aimed at silencing him for speaking out on issues affecting residents, including alleged police brutality and the regulation of muguka farming.
“Security organs of the country are saying it was Mukunji. You had your meeting, you fought, tear gas was lobbed and then you say Mukunji is to blame. How powerful is Mukunji?” he asked.
Mukunji also said he had been singled out because of his willingness to stand with residents on politically sensitive issues.
“But I will tell you why they say it is me. It is because I stand with the people,” he said.
DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Kindiki of ordering police to deal with rowdy youth during the chaos.
“Today was that day in Nembure Stadium, Embu County. People demanded entry; they also wanted money to buy unga, pay medical bills, pay school fees and meet other needs. And you know who has driven Kenyans to this indignity? Not this regime you serve?” Gachagua said.
He claimed Kindiki was heard instructing police to deal with wananchi, alleging that some people were indiscriminately shot.
The National Police Service says one person died, several others were injured and six vehicles were burnt during the confrontation.
Embu Governor Mbarire called for a full investigation into the violence, particularly the burning of vehicles and reports that delegates were robbed.
“So we want investigations. We want to know the people who have been used to burn people’s vehicles. Tunataka kujua ni kina nani. Na tunataka investigation ifanywe na watu washikwe,” she said.
She accused political actors of allowing violence to take root in Embu, saying the county had experienced a growing culture of political confrontation since 2024.
“We have allowed politics of violence in Embu County. It started in 2024,” she said.
DP Kindiki also condemned the violence and called for those responsible to face action.
"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," Kindiki said.
"The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence."