Kindiki’s Embu Turns Chaotic as Several Vehicles Torched

A political meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Embu County descended into chaos on Saturday after confrontation erupted at Nembure Stadium in Manyatta Constituency. The incident occurred as Kindiki led a mobilisation exercise targeting United Democratic Alliance polling centre officials ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Kindiki was reportedly evacuated from the venue after tensions escalated, with police officers deploying tear gas to disperse sections of the crowd. The security intervention was intended to create a safe passage for the Deputy President as disorder spread around the stadium.

Several vehicles were reportedly torched during the confrontation, including cars belonging to journalists who had travelled to cover the political gathering. Royal Media Services journalist Edwin Murimi was among those affected after his vehicle was set ablaze, although reports indicated that he escaped from the incident without injury.

The vehicle belonging to Wimwaro FM correspondent Murimi wa Mugendi was also reportedly burnt during the chaos. Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru similarly had his vehicle set on fire, adding to concerns about the safety of journalists covering increasingly heated political activities.

Reports indicated that the confrontation began after some residents were allegedly denied access to the venue. Sections of the crowd reportedly demanded entry, with the situation becoming increasingly tense as police attempted to control those gathered outside the stadium.

Police officers are said to have used tear gas as they worked to disperse the crowd and facilitate Kindiki’s evacuation. Reports further indicated that live ammunition was fired during the incident as security personnel attempted to contain the worsening situation.

Footage circulating from the meeting appeared to show Kindiki responding to a disruption while assuring those present that the situation was under control. He urged attendees to remain calm and insisted that the meeting would proceed despite the confrontation outside the immediate gathering.

“Don’t worry, we are okay,” Kindiki told the crowd, maintaining that the government was present and that violence would not be allowed to derail the meeting. He further indicated that those opposed to the government could hold their own meeting but should not bring violence into a gathering they did not control.

Kindiki did not immediately provide a detailed account of the reported violence after leaving the venue. He later posted the brief word “Sawa” on his social media accounts before subsequently sharing details of the meeting and its objectives.

The Deputy President said the gathering brought together more than 10,000 UDA polling centre officials from different parts of Embu County. He said the officials discussed the government’s progress in implementing its manifesto and were encouraged to defend its record against what he described as misinformation.

The incident has nevertheless shifted attention from the political discussions to questions surrounding security, crowd control and the safety of media workers. The burning of journalists’ vehicles has particularly raised concerns because reporters and other media personnel require adequate protection while covering public political events.

The confrontation comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity across Kenya as parties and political leaders prepare for the 2027 General Election. Several recent political gatherings have experienced disruptions, signalling the possibility of increased tension as mobilisation activities expand.

Authorities will now face pressure to establish what triggered the confrontation, determine who was responsible for the destruction of property and clarify reports surrounding the use of live ammunition. The events in Embu have once again placed political security and public safety at the centre of Kenya’s increasingly active pre-election environment.