Deputy President Kithure Kindiki/DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has condemned the disruption of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting in Nembure, Embu, calling for action against those responsible for political violence.
Kindiki, who spoke after the incident, said the UDA party regretted the loss and damage resulting from the disruption of its meeting earlier on Saturday.
“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 the party condemned violence and called on law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” Kindiki said.
His remarks followed chaos at Nemburi Grounds in Manyatta Constituency, where a meeting organised by him and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire was disrupted.
Police were forced to use tear gas to disperse a crowd at the meeting. Several vehicles were reportedly damaged during the confrontation.
The number of possible casualties had not been independently verified at the time of reporting.
Former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti also condemned the violence, saying it was unfortunate that people were reportedly losing their lives during what should have been a peaceful political gathering.
“I would like to make a statement about the information we are getting about the incident at Nemburi Grounds where people are losing their lives in a local setting. It is very unfortunate,” Kivuti said.
Kivuti also condemned the alleged use of organised groups to disrupt political meetings, saying no political leader should be targeted regardless of their political affiliation.
Kindiki said UDA supported issue-based political competition rather than the use of violence to mobilise support.
“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 added that the party opposed attempts to force political support “through lies, violence and useless slogans”.
Kindiki said UDA’s leadership in Embu had been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and damage reported during the incident.
He said the leadership would also coordinate responses and stand in solidarity with those affected.
The incident comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders holding meetings and mobilising supporters across the country.
Kivuti urged Embu residents to reject violence and allow political competition to take place without confrontation.
