Chaos Erupts at Kindiki Rally in Embu as Vehicles Set Ablaze, Several Feared Dead

Several people were injured and vehicles burnt after chaos disrupted a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.

Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds after clashes broke out around the venue, with groups of youths confronting officers and each other as the situation escalated.

Amid the unrest, Kindiki was evacuated from the venue as the situation deteriorated during the mobilisation exercise, which brought together UDA polling centre officials as the party strengthens its grassroots structures ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The violence also affected journalists covering the event, with several vehicles reportedly set ablaze.

Among those affected was Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi, whose vehicle was reportedly burnt. Murimi, however, was said to have escaped unharmed.

Meanwhile, Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also reported safe after his vehicle was set on fire.

A vehicle belonging to Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru was similarly torched during the chaos.

Kindiki Condemns Clashes

Following the disruption, Kindiki condemned the violence and urged political leaders to compete through their policies instead of involving young people in confrontations with police.

“Therefore, let us respect each other. Let everyone come with their policies. That is a low thing,” Kindiki said.

The Deputy President then questioned why politicians would expose their supporters to danger while expecting them to vote for them during elections.

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“Why do you want to hurt the young people who support you? Why do you send young people to confront the police when you expect them to vote for you?” he asked.

Kindiki also called for the protection of young people involved in the clashes regardless of their political affiliation.

“These young people are opposition supporters. But they are young people from Embu and Kenya. They have the right to be protected and given proper advice. They should not be sent to confront the police,” he said.

Earlier Nembure Dispute

The latest incident follows an earlier dispute over a political gathering held at Nembure Stadium in August, 22, 2026

Embu Council of Elders chairman Andrew Ireri rejected that meeting and questioned the legitimacy of those who attended it.

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He also challenged the description of the region as Mt Kenya East and Mt Kenya West, arguing that the mountain region remained united.

“We are coming here to reject the recent Nembure meeting. It had traitors of the community, and people were being bribed to attend the meeting. They were only there to mislead the people. There is also nothing like Mt. Kenya East and Mt. Kenya West. The mountain is one and united,” Ireri said.

The August gathering had endorsed Kindiki as a political spokesman for Mt Kenya East, but the official Embu Council of Elders rejected the move.

The latest disruption comes as political parties and leaders intensify grassroots mobilisation in Embu and other parts of the Mt Kenya region ahead of the 2027 General Election.

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DP Kithure Kindiki during an Economic Empowerment Programme for Women Groups SACCOs at Kwa Mutonga, Kitui County on June 28, 2026. PHOTO/DPPS.