BY RITA MUTHONI
A United Opposition political rally at Umau Stadium in Embu County was briefly disrupted on Saturday after a group of people armed with stones stormed the venue, triggering panic and clashes among supporters.
The incident occurred during a political gathering organised by Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) leader Lenny Kivuti and Democratic Party (DP) leader Justin Muturi, which attracted residents from Mbeere North and Mbeere South constituencies.
Witnesses at the event reported that the group hurled stones at the gathering, forcing some attendees to flee for safety. Opposition supporters later confronted the attackers, forcing them out of the stadium and allowing the meeting to resume.
Addressing the gathering, Kivuti and Muturi condemned the disruption, accusing individuals allegedly linked to their political opponents in the Kenya Kwanza administration of orchestrating the incident. The allegations had not been independently verified by the time of publication.
Kivuti called for political tolerance, warning against using violence and intimidation to suppress political gatherings. Muturi, meanwhile, maintained that the opposition would not be deterred from holding political meetings in the region despite the incident.
The rally also focused on strengthening political unity ahead of the 2027 General Election, with Ngome elders urging the two leaders to rally the Mbeere community behind United Opposition candidates seeking elective positions.
In a symbolic show of unity, the elders crowned Kivuti and Muturi as spokesmen of the Mbeere communities, after which the two leaders shook hands to demonstrate their commitment to working together.
They further pledged to unite the Mbeere community and guard against political divisions along clan lines as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
What’s happening near you? Send us the story via
news@arisemediagroup.co.ke or WhatsApp 0750456085
Book Advert-use above contacts
180