One person was killed and six vehicles torched after violence erupted during a public meeting presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Nembure, Embu County, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The National Police Service (NPS) said several people were also injured after a group of individuals allegedly attempted to storm the meeting, forcing security officers to intervene.
According to the police, several suspects were arrested at the scene as police moved to disperse the group and restore order. The Deputy President was safely evacuated from the venue following the escalation.
In a statement issued by NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on September 12, the police condemned what it described as an βoutrageous and criminalβ attempt to disrupt the meeting.
βUpon the group’s unlawful attempt to breach the meeting, officers acted decisively and repulsed the assailants. Several suspects were arrested at the scene. The Deputy President was safely evacuated, and law and order was swiftly restored,β the statement said.
The police confirmed that one person sustained fatal injuries during the chaos, while six vehicles were set ablaze.
Several other people were injured as the confrontation unfolded, although the NPS did not immediately provide details on the identities of those injured or the circumstances that led to the fatality.
Police launch investigations
The NPS said investigations had already begun to establish what triggered the confrontation and identify individuals suspected of participating in the violence.
Police warned that those found culpable would face legal action.
βAny individual found to have participated in this or any similar act of lawlessness will be pursued relentlessly. Stern action will be taken in accordance with the law. There will be no exceptions,β Nyaga said.
The police also urged the public to desist from acts that could threaten lives, destroy property or interfere with public meetings.
The incident comes at a time when political activity is intensifying across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with political leaders increasingly holding public mobilisation meetings as parties position themselves for the coming electoral contest.
Growing concern over political violence
The Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and petition, but those rights are subject to the requirement that such activities remain peaceful and unarmed.
The police, meanwhile, have a constitutional mandate to maintain law and order and protect life and property.
The events in Nembure are also likely to attract scrutiny over how security agencies respond when political gatherings become volatile, particularly where the use of force results in injuries or loss of life.
The NPS said its investigations would establish the full circumstances surrounding Saturday’s violence and promised further updates once more information becomes available.
The service maintained that it would not be intimidated in carrying out its mandate to protect public safety.
βWe shall not be intimidated, and we shall not relent in the protection of life and property,β the police said.
The incident adds to growing concerns about political tensions and clashes at public gatherings as Kenya heads towards the 2027 election cycle.
