Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has broken his silence after a UDA meeting in Embu was disrupted amid reports of violence, with the DP posting a brief and cryptic “Sawa” message on social media.
Kindiki’s one-word response came after the incident, which disrupted a political gathering attended by the deputy president, UDA party chair Cecily Mbarire and other leaders.
The disruption was followed by reports of several vehicles being torched, including a car belonging to a media correspondent. Kindiki did not provide details on the incident or identify those behind the disruption in his post.
What did Itumbi say about the Embu violence?
Head of Presidential Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumbi strongly condemned the reported violence, accusing Embu politician John Gitonga Mukunji of orchestrating the disruption.
Itumbi challenged Mukunji to compete politically by presenting his agenda to Embu residents rather than resorting to violence.
“Do your politics, as you have always done, hiyo ni sawa. Democracy demands competition. Without competition siasa ni useless,” Itumbi said.
He, however, alleged that sponsoring people to disrupt a UDA meeting attended by Kindiki, Mbarire and other leaders crossed the line from political competition into criminality.
Itumbi was particularly angered by the reported burning of a vehicle belonging to a media correspondent, saying journalists often work for years to acquire the resources needed to do their jobs.
“I have been a correspondent. I know that hustle. That car is not just metal and tyres; it is somebody’s sweat, livelihood and dream,” he said.
He called on Mbarire to organise a fundraiser to help the journalist replace the vehicle, saying he would personally attend and contribute.
What else was damaged?
Itumbi also claimed that an ambulance was destroyed during the incident, questioning why emergency equipment would be targeted during a political confrontation.
“Yaani hata Ambulance you had to destroy. Hii sio siasa,” he said.
He called on security agencies to investigate the violence and hold everyone found responsible to account, regardless of their political standing.
“I pray that our security agencies will hold everyone involved to account, their position in society not withstanding,” Itumbi said.
The incident adds to growing concerns over political violence surrounding public rallies and party activities as political alignments begin taking shape ahead of the 2027 General Election.
