NPS spokesperson Muchir Nyaga/FILE
One person was fatally injured, and six vehicles were torched during chaos that erupted at a public meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County, on Saturday.
The National Police Service said several other people were injured after a group attempted to storm the meeting, prompting officers to intervene and restore order.
In a statement issued by the National Police Service Headquarters, Director Corporate Communication and NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said officers acted after the group attempted to breach the meeting.
“Upon the group's unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants,” Muchirinyaga said.
Several suspects were arrested at the scene, according to the police. Kindiki was safely evacuated as officers moved to restore law and order.
“Regrettably, one person was fatally injured, six vehicles were torched and several persons injured during the chaos,” the statement said.
The NPS said investigations had commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. It said it would seek to identify and bring to justice all those involved.
“No effort will be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all persons involved,” Muchirinyaga said.
The service warned that those found to have participated in the incident or similar acts of lawlessness would face action in accordance with the law.
“There will be no exceptions,” the NPS said.
The incident occurred during a United Democratic Alliance meeting in Nembure. After the disruption, Kindiki condemned the violence and called for action against those responsible.
“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.
Kindiki said the party condemned violence and wanted law enforcement agencies to act against those responsible for political violence.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” he said.
He said UDA supported issue-based political competition centred on development records and policy goals rather than violence.
“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 said the party opposed attempts to force political support “through lies, violence and useless slogans”.
The NPS said it remained committed to protecting life and property and would provide further updates as investigations progressed and when it became operationally possible to do so.
