Chaos broke out during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) mobilisation meeting at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency, Embu County, with several vehicles torched.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki was swiftly evacuated from the venue as the situation deteriorated during the meeting, which was being held to mobilise UDA polling centre officials.
Several people were seriously injured in the incident with unconfirmed numbers of fatalities reported.
Reports suggested that the confrontation began after some residents were denied entry to the venue, prompting sections of the crowd to demand access to the meeting.
The situation reportedly escalated when the group attempted to gain entry, with police intervening as tensions rose around the grounds.
Officers are said to have used tear gas to disperse the crowd and clear a path for the Deputy President to leave the area.
Amid the disorder, reports indicated that live ammunition was fired as security personnel sought to contain the situation.
In a statement following the chaos, Kindiki said UDA regretted the loss and damage arising from the disruption of the party meeting.
“The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Party regrets the loss and/ damage brought about by those responsible for organising the youth to disrupt our party meeting in Nembure, Embu earlier today,” Kindiki said.
He condemned the violence and called for action against those responsible.
“The Party condemns violence and demands that law enforcement agencies take punitive measures against all those responsible for perpetuating political violence,” he said.
Kindiki said UDA supports issue-based politics and a contest based on development records and policy proposals.
“The Party stands for issue-based politics and a contest around who or which party has a better development track record and policy goals for Kenya’s future,” he said.
He said political support should not be forced through “lies, violence and useless slogans”.
Kindiki further said the party leadership in Embu had been tasked with verifying the exact nature of the loss and damage.
“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 said.
The statement did not give an exact figure for the vehicles damaged or torched during the incident.
