NPS Launches Probe into Deadly Chaos During UDA Meeting in Embu

The National Police Service (NPS) has launched investigations into the violence witnessed during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party meeting in Nembure, Embu County.

In a statement on Saturday night, September 12, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the incident occurred after a group of individuals allegedly attempted to storm the UDA meeting, which was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. 

Nyaga noted that police officers responded promptly and repulsed the group, with several suspects being arrested at the scene. 

“The National Police Service condemns in the strongest possible terms the outrageous and criminal conduct of a group of individuals who attempted to storm a public meeting presided over by the Deputy President, H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, in Nembure, Embu County.

“Upon the group's unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants. Several suspects were arrested at the scene, and law and order was swiftly restored,” Nyaga stated. 

However, one person died during the violence while several others sustained injuries. Six vehicles were also torched during the incident. 

Nyaga said investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. 

“Investigations have commenced to establish the full circumstances surrounding this incident, and no effort will be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all persons involved,” the NPS Spokesperson said. 

Nyaga warned that anyone who will be found to have participated in the incident or similar acts of lawlessness would face legal action.

“Let this serve as an unequivocal warning: any individual found to have participated in this or any similar act of lawlessness will be pursued relentlessly. Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law. There will be no exceptions,” he added. 

DP Kindiki has also condemned the violence, saying the UDA Party regretted the loss and damage arising from the disruption of the Embu meeting. 

"The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/damage brought about by those responsible for organizing the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today," he wrote.

Kindiki said the incident was unacceptable and called on security agencies to take action against individuals involved in political violence.

"The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence," he added.

Further, Kindiki said the party leadership in Embu had been directed to establish the extent of the damage caused during the incident and coordinate assistance for those affected.

"Our party leadership in Embu has been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and/or damage, and to coordinate responses to stand in solidarity with all those adversely affected in one way or another," he concluded.