Vehicles Torched, Scores Injured as Police Fire Tear Gas at DP Kindiki’s Embu Rally

Two vehicles were torched and scores of people injured after chaos erupted during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, on Saturday, September 12.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was reportedly evacuated as tensions escalated while he led a mobilisation exercise for UDA polling centre officials.

Kindiki said the meeting brought together more than 15,000 UDA polling centre officials from across Embu County.

He said he gathered the officials to congratulate them on their election earlier in the year, update them on the implementation of the party manifesto by the Government and urge them to defend the Government’s record and counter what he described as lies, propaganda and misinformation from political competitors.

However, tensions escalated during the meeting, with police firing tear gas to disperse rowdy youths.

Several vehicles were torched during the confrontation, including those belonging to journalists covering the event.

Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi escaped unharmed after his vehicle was set ablaze.

Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also safe after his vehicle was burnt, while Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto Miru reportedly suffered a similar loss.

Residents who were unable to access the meeting venue were held in a nearby area under police guard. In an apparent comment on the incident, Kindiki posted “sawa” on social media, meaning “it is okay” in Swahili.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire blamed politicians from the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) for the chaos, accusing them of inciting people against others.

“You have burnt people’s vehicles, and robbed people on the highway. Just because, according to you, the only party that should have meetings in Embu County is your DCP. It is wrong, and those women who have been robbed are very upset,” Mbarire said.

She also condemned the violence against youths who had attended the UDA meeting.

“These youths have been beaten because of a meeting they were invited to by the party. And we will not allow this kind of politics in Embu County. We will not accept,” she said.

Mbarire called for political competition based on policies, saying voters should be left to make their choice.

“Sell your policies, we sell ours. The citizens will decide. But you cannot be inciting people against others,” she said.

She further condemned what she described as politics of hate, war and torching of vehicles in the county.