Violence disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mobilisation meeting in Nembure Stadium, Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, on Saturday, September 12, with several people feared dead and others injured during the confrontation.
The meeting, which was being led by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, descended into chaos after tensions reportedly rose at the stadium.
Kindiki had been attending the exercise aimed at mobilising and engaging UDA polling centre officials ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The situation became increasingly tense after some residents were reportedly denied entry into the venue. The move triggered protests, with part of the crowd attempting to force its way into the stadium.
Police officers responded by firing teargas in an effort to disperse the crowd and prevent further confrontation. As the situation worsened, security officers reportedly moved to evacuate Kindiki from the venue.
Reports from the scene indicated that live ammunition was also fired as security personnel struggled to regain control of the area.
The circumstances surrounding the reported use of live ammunition were not immediately clear.
Several vehicles were also reportedly torched during the violence. Some of the vehicles belonged to journalists who had travelled to the venue to cover the UDA meeting.
Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi escaped unharmed after his vehicle was set on fire during the confrontation.
Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also safe after his vehicle was reportedly burnt.
Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru was similarly affected after his vehicle was reportedly set ablaze as the violence spread around the venue.
The attacks on vehicles added to the disruption of the meeting, leaving journalists and other attendees struggling to get away from the area as police attempted to contain the crowd.
The exact number of casualties remained unclear as reports from the scene continued to emerge.
Authorities had also not immediately provided a full account of the events, including the number of people injured or the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
Kindiki was later reported to have left the venue safely after the security operation. His evacuation came as the confrontation made it difficult for the meeting to continue as planned.Before the situation escalated, the Deputy President had been expected to oversee a major mobilisation exercise involving UDA polling centre officials.
The exercise was part of the ruling party’s efforts to strengthen its grassroots structures and prepare its officials for future political activities.
Kindiki later explained that the meeting had brought together more than 10,000 UDA polling centre officials.
He said the gathering was meant to discuss the government’s record and address what he described as misinformation.
The Deputy President had initially posted the word “Sawa” on social media amid the unfolding events before later giving his account of the purpose of the meeting.
The violence in Nembure is likely to raise questions over security arrangements at political gatherings and the growing tensions that can emerge when large crowds are involved.
The reported burning of journalists’ vehicles could also draw concern from media organisations, particularly over the safety of reporters covering political events.
Further details are expected as police and other authorities investigate what triggered the confrontation, the reported use of live ammunition and the destruction of property during the incident.
