A political meeting meant to mobilise UDA supporters in Embu has instead left a community mourning, a powerful MP under a police spotlight and two senior politicians trading accusations , raising the uncomfortable question of who is responsible for the violence.
A deafening silence has descended on the home of the late Moses Munene, where family and friends gathered on Sunday as they struggled to come to terms with his reported death during the violence that erupted at a UDA meeting in Nembure, Embu County, on Saturday.
Munene, a boda boda operator, was reportedly among two people shot during clashes between police and residents around the meeting attended by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The second victim has been identified by local accounts as 23-year-old Mike Lewis Macharia, a footballer from Runyenjes Constituency, who was reportedly shot in the thigh and hip.
However, police had officially confirmed one fatality by Saturday evening, with several people injured and six vehicles torched, while other reports indicated that a second person was feared dead.
The violence erupted after groups of youths reportedly attempted to force their way into the UDA gathering at Nembure Stadium. Police responded with tear gas and other measures to disperse the crowds as the confrontation escalated.
The incident has since triggered a political storm, with UDA leaders accusing Manyatta MP John Gitonga Mukunji of being behind the disruption. Mukunji, however, has rejected the allegations and maintained that he had no role in the violence.
A heavy police operation was subsequently mounted at Mukunji’s rural home in Mutunduri, with reports indicating that officers surrounded the legislator’s residence as they sought to apprehend him. Mukunji was not arrested and has challenged authorities to arrest and prosecute him if they have evidence linking him to the violence.
The heavy police presence has further heightened political tensions in Embu, with Mukunji’s allies accusing the government of targeting the legislator.
The fallout has also spilled onto social media, where former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has accused Deputy President Kithure Kindiki of targeting Mukunji and attempting to link him to the violence.
Kindiki has dismissed the accusations, maintaining that those responsible for disrupting political gatherings and causing violence must face the law. The exchange has deepened an already bitter political rivalry ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Residents in Nembure have meanwhile condemned the violence and called for investigations into the deaths and injuries, insisting that political disagreements should not cost young Kenyans their lives.
With police investigations ongoing and competing political accusations flying, attention now turns to the crucial question: who organised the violence, who authorised the use of force, and who will ultimately be held accountable for what happened in Nembure?
