EMBU, Kenya — Chaos erupted during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) meeting at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, on Saturday, September 12, with several people reportedly feared dead.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was reportedly evacuated from the venue after tensions escalated during a UDA mobilisation exercise targeting polling centre officials in the county.
The incident comes amid heightened political activity as parties and leaders intensify preparations for the 2027 General Election.
Vehicles Reportedly Torched During UDA Chaos
Reports circulating after the incident indicated that several vehicles were set on fire during the confrontation, including vehicles belonging to journalists covering the event.
Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi was among those reportedly affected after his vehicle was torched. Murimi was said to have escaped unharmed.
The confrontation allegedly began after some residents were denied entry into the stadium, prompting sections of the crowd to demand access to the meeting.
The situation reportedly deteriorated when the group attempted to force its way into the venue, leading to a confrontation with police officers deployed to provide security.
Police Use Tear Gas as Kindiki Is Evacuated
Police officers reportedly fired tear gas to disperse the crowd as tensions intensified around the stadium.
The security operation also created a path for the Deputy President to leave the venue safely.
Amid the chaos, reports further indicated that live ammunition was fired as security personnel attempted to contain the situation. The circumstances surrounding the reported gunfire and claims of deaths had not been independently established at the time of publication.
The incident adds to concerns over political violence and disruption of public gatherings as Kenya moves closer to the 2027 General Election. Human Rights Watch has recently raised concerns over a series of violent attacks targeting political and civil society gatherings in the country.
Kindiki Responds With Brief ‘Sawa’ Message
Kindiki did not immediately issue a detailed statement addressing the reported chaos at the UDA meeting.
He later posted a brief message on X and Facebook, simply writing:
“Sawa.”
The Swahili word generally means “okay” or “alright.”
The brief response came as questions continued to emerge over what exactly transpired at Nembure Stadium and the circumstances surrounding the reported violence.
