Kindiki Evacuated as Violence Erupts at UDA Rally in Embu

Violence disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mobilisation meeting at Nembure Stadium in Embu County on Saturday, forcing Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and other leaders to be evacuated as police moved to contain the unrest.

The meeting, organised by Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, was attended by UDA polling centre officials who had gathered to review the government’s record and prepare the party’s grassroots structures for the 2027 General Election. The unrest began when sections of the crowd clashed with organisers after being denied entry to the venue. The situation quickly escalated, with police using tear gas to disperse the crowd and secure the Deputy President’s exit. Some accounts reported that live ammunition was also used.

Several vehicles were set on fire during the confrontation, including vehicles belonging to journalists covering the meeting. Royal Media Services reporter Edwin Murimi and correspondents from Wimwaro FM and Getu FM were among those affected. All were reported to be safe, although their property was damaged.

The number of casualties remained unclear on Saturday evening. Unverified reports indicated that there may have been deaths at the venue, but these reports had not been confirmed. Kindiki urged supporters to remain calm during the disruption and said the meeting would continue despite efforts to derail it.    

“Don’t worry. We are okay. The Government of Kenya is here, so there is no problem,” he told the crowd. He later posted “Sawa” (“okay”) on social media.

In later remarks, Kindiki condemned the violence and accused unnamed individuals of mobilising young people to disrupt the meeting. He called on law enforcement agencies to take action against those responsible and said UDA supported issue-based politics rather than intimidation or “useless slogans”.

Former Embu senator Lenny Kivuti also condemned the unrest. He described reports of deaths at the venue as “very unfortunate” and warned against using organised groups to disrupt political meetings. He urged residents to reject violence and allow political competition to take place peacefully, regardless of party affiliation.

The incident in Embu follows several recent disruptions at political events as parties increase their grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 election. Earlier this week, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested 12 suspects accused of attempting to block First Lady Rachel Ruto’s convoy in Siaya County.

UDA officials in Embu have been tasked with assessing the damage and coordinating assistance for those affected by the violence.