A political meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County, descended into violence on Saturday, leaving one person dead, six vehicles burnt and several others injured after a group attempted to force its way into the gathering.
Police said officers were forced to intervene when the group tried to breach the meeting, with the confrontation resulting in injuries and damage to property.
The National Police Service (NPS) in a statement issued from its headquarters, said security officers responded to the attempted breach and managed to push back those involved.
“Upon the group's unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants,” Muchiri Nyaga, NPS Spokesperson, said on Saturday
Several suspects were arrested during the incident as officers moved to contain the situation and restore calm.
Kindiki was also safely moved from the venue as police dealt with the confrontation.
“Regrettably, one person was fatally injured, six vehicles were torched and several persons injured during the chaos,” the NPS said.
The police service said it had opened investigations to determine exactly what happened and establish the circumstances that led to the violence.
Nyaga said officers would pursue those found to have taken part in the incident and ensure they face justice.
“No effort will be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all persons involved,” Nyaga said.
The NPS further warned that individuals involved in the Nembure violence, as well as similar acts of lawlessness, would be dealt with according to the law.
“There will be no exceptions,” the NPS said.
The confrontation took place during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Nembure, where Kindiki was addressing supporters.
After the meeting was disrupted, Kindiki condemned the violence and called for those responsible to be held accountable.
“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/ damage brought about by those responsible for organising the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today,” he said.
He said UDA opposed political violence and called on security agencies to take action against individuals behind such incidents.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” he said.
Kindiki said political competition should instead be based on development records and policy plans for the country.
“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,” Kindiki said.
He also rejected attempts to win political backing “through lies, violence and useless slogans”.
The NPS said it would continue protecting life and property as investigations into the incident proceed, adding that further information would be released when it becomes operationally possible to do so.