The National Police Service condemned the violence that erupted during a public meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County, on Saturday.
In a statement, police spokesman Muchiri Nyaga said a group of individuals attempted to storm the meeting, prompting officers to intervene and repel the alleged assailants.
“Upon the group’s unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants,” Nyaga said.
He confirmed that several suspects were arrested at the scene, while the Deputy President was safely evacuated and order restored.
However, the incident left one person fatally injured, six vehicles torched and several others injured.
Nyaga said investigations had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the violence, adding that authorities would pursue those found to have participated in the incident.
“Any individual found to have participated in this or any similar act of lawlessness will be pursued relentlessly. Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law. There will be no exceptions,” he said.
The police spokesman said the National Police Service remained committed to protecting life and property and would not be intimidated in the execution of its mandate.
He added that further updates would be issued as investigations progressed and when it became operationally possible to do so.
Officials said the chaos erupted after hundreds of youths attempted to gain access to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting which had been restricted to invited officials and other designated participants.
The restrictions left scores of youths outside the venue, triggering a confrontation with police.
Police officers fired teargas to disperse the crowds, while some youths responded by throwing stones at police and into the stadium.
The confrontation later spread to the surrounding areas, with several vehicles belonging to delegates reportedly set ablaze.
Sections of the Embu-Meru Highway were also affected as groups of youths allegedly barricaded parts of the road and lit bonfires, prompting a heightened security response
Inside the stadium, security officers and drivers were forced to move vehicles to safer areas as the confrontation continued.
Despite the disruption, Kindiki proceeded with his meeting with UDA grassroots leaders and used the occasion to call for political tolerance and peaceful competition.
Kindiki questioned why young people would be used to disrupt political meetings, warning that such actions could turn supporters against the politicians they were expected to support.
Kindiki said political parties should be allowed to conduct their meetings peacefully, promising security for all political formations.
He also warned UDA supporters against being used to disrupt political gatherings, saying such actions will be detrimental to the nation. DP Kindiki issued a statement on his social media accounts, tasking the party leadership in Embu to verify the nature of the loss and coordinate responses with those affected.
“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 stated.
“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 , rather than forcing support through lies, violence and useless slogans.”
“Our party leadership in Embu has been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and/or damage, and to coordinate responses to stand in solidarity with all those adversely affected in one way or another.”
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