Embu Rally Violence
Violence erupts and vehicles burn at Deputy President Kindiki's Embu political rally.
Anonymous
Key Points
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Kindiki said the meeting brought together more than 15,000 UDA polling-centre officials from across Embu County. He said the officials were being congratulated on their election, briefed on the government’s manifesto implementation and asked to defend the government’s record against what he called political lies, propaganda and misinformation.
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Governor Cecily Mbarire alleged that youths had been transported to the venue in Nissan vans and instructed to demand KSh2,000 each from Kindiki. She also claimed that students at Manyatta TVET had been asked to attend and demand KSh10,000 each, but declined; these allegations were not independently established.
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Mbarire said some delegates sought refuge in nearby homes after reportedly being attacked while leaving the meeting, adding detail to accounts of post-event violence beyond the clashes at the stadium.
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In addition to the vehicles belonging to Edwin Murimi and Murimi wa Mugendi, a vehicle belonging to Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto’Miru was also reportedly set ablaze; all three journalists were reported safe.
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Kindiki said young people involved in the clashes deserved protection regardless of their political affiliation. Digital strategist Dennis Itumbi separately urged the accused MP to offer a political programme, saying: “Compete with ideas, not chaos.”
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki's UDA rally in Embu County turned violent on September 12, 2026, as rival youth groups clashed near Nembure Stadium. Nairobi Leo reported that police fired tear gas while scores of people were injured and several vehicles, including those belonging to journalists, were burned. Kindiki was evacuated as the situation spiraled out of control.
The meeting was meant to bring together over 15,000 UDA polling-center officials from Embu County to discuss the government's record and manifesto. Instead, attendees reportedly faced attacks and theft as they left the venue. Pulse reported that delegates sought refuge in nearby homes to escape the violence.
Tear Gas and Burning Vehicles at the Stadium
Violence erupted as youth factions fought near the stadium entrance. Nairobi Leo stated that police deployed tear gas to control the clashes. Three vehicles went up in flames. Getu FM correspondent Kimathi Nto'Miru's car was among those burned. Journalists Edwin Murimi and Murimi wa Mugendi also lost vehicles, though all three reporters remained safe.
The chaos left many attendees hurt and frightened. People Daily reported that several people sustained injuries during the disruptions. The exact number of casualties remained unclear, with accounts varying across reports.
Governor Accuses MP of Organizing the Disruption
Governor Cecily Mbarire alleged that Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji orchestrated the violence. She claimed youths had been transported in Nissan vans and ordered to demand KSh2,000 from Kindiki. Mbarire also said students from Manyatta TVET were asked to demand KSh10,000 each but refused. These allegations remained unverified.
Mbarire described how violence continued beyond the stadium. Delegates were attacked while leaving and robbed of their belongings. Some fled to nearby homes for safety. The post-rally attacks showed the unrest extended well beyond the initial clashes.
Leaders Call for Policy-Based Competition, Not Violence
Kindiki condemned the violence and said youths involved deserved protection regardless of political side. Tuko reported that digital strategist Dennis Itumbi urged the accused MP to pursue political competition through ideas. Itumbi tweeted: "Compete with ideas, not chaos." He called on leaders to advance their programs, not mobilize gangs.
Governor Mbarire echoed the message, urging political leaders to campaign on policies and achievements. She and Kindiki both stressed that Kenya's politics must move past youth violence and intimidation. Both leaders emphasized the need for peaceful, issues-based competition in future campaigns.
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