Police have launched investigations into the violence that erupted during a UDA delegates meeting at Nembure Stadium in Embu County today, which was convened by Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki.
Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet confirmed the incident, saying several individuals were injured during the ensuing fracas, including three police officers and one member of the public.
He added that six vehicles were torched during the confrontation while several others were vandalised as the situation quickly escalated outside the stadium, forcing security officers to intervene to contain the violence that nearly disrupted the meeting.
According to the regional police boss, trouble started when a group of young people attempted to force its way into the stadium despite not having been invited to the delegates meeting.
He said it was after they were denied entry that they turned rowdy and pelted police officers with stones, forcing them to lob teargas canisters to disperse them, which led to the confrontation.
Mr Chebet said the confrontation turned violent, with the group venting their anger on the vehicles belonging to delegates that had been parked several metres from the stadium along the Embu-Meru Highway, setting six of them ablaze.
The police commander said the three officers were injured while attempting to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating further.
He said they have commenced investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the violence and identify those behind the destruction of property with a view to taking action against them.
Chebet reported that they are yet to make any arrests but assured residents that there will be no escape for the culprits.
“We will leave no stone unturned in pursuing the suspects,” he said, adding that all those responsible would be arrested and brought to justice.
The chaos has raised concerns over political tensions in Embu, with police now working to establish whether the violence was planned and identify all those involved behind the scenes in orchestrating the chaos.
Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, who spoke earlier to the media, condemned the violence, describing the burning of vehicles and the confrontation as a backward step for the county.
Mbarire also pointed an accusing finger at Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, whom she linked to chaos that ensued during the meeting.
One of the victims, Zacharia Mutungi, who lost his vehicle during the incident, condemned the destruction of property and called on investigators to move swiftly and ensure that those responsible are brought to book.
The incident has raised concerns over the growing political tensions in Embu, with calls for political leaders and their supporters to embrace dialogue, restraint and peaceful engagement rather than allowing political differences to degenerate into violence.
By Samuel Waititu
