Two feared dead, vehicles torched as youths clash with police at Kindiki's Embu rally

Two people were feared dead and several vehicles were reportedly set on fire 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.

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.

Addressing his supporters, the Deputy President 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.

“Mbona unataka kuumiza vijana ambao wanakuunga mkono? Mbona unatuma vijana kukabiliana na polisi? Na hao ndio unategemea wakupigie kura. Hawa vijana ni wa upinzani lakini pia ni wa Embu na ni Wakenya. Wako na haki ya kulindwa na kupewa advice mzuri,” Kindiki stated.

Kindiki said political parties should be allowed to conduct their meetings peacefully, promising security for all political formations.

“Hutapigiwa kura. Na nani? Just do your meeting. Mimi nimemaliza mkutano hii. Ukitaka kufanya mkutano ya DCP kuja hapa. The government will give every political party full security to do their meetings and transact their politics peacefully,” Kindiki stated.

He also warned UDA supporters against being used to disrupt political gatherings, saying such actions will be detrimental to the nation. 

“WanaUDA, usithubutu kutumiwa na mtu yeyote uvuruge mkutano ndo Rais apate umaarufu,” Kindiki warned.

Following the melee, 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."

The National Police Service had not, by the time of filing this report, officially confirmed the reported deaths or provided an official tally of damaged vehicles.

During the rally, the Deputy President further called for issue-based politics and urged young people not to become instruments of political confrontation as parties position themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The meeting was also marked by renewed political tensions within the Mt Kenya region, with Kindiki calling for unity and cautioning against attempts to create divisions between Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West.

Kindiki asked Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku to stop what he described as a campaign to politically divide the region.

He said elders from Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West were already engaging to address emerging political differences and should be given time to pursue their efforts.

Embu County Assembly Speaker Murithi Thiriku also addressed the divisions, saying the campaign to split the region was being driven by disagreements over support for Kindiki.

Thiriku claimed some leaders from Mt Kenya West were reluctant to support Kindiki despite historical support from Mt Kenya East for leaders from the western side of the region.

Kindiki's Nembure meeting was his third visit to the venue within a month, with the Deputy President previously engaging elders and young people in the area.

The latest gathering brought together UDA grassroots officials, with Kindiki urging them to take the government's development record to voters ahead of the 2027 elections.