Embu: A section of women leaders in Embu County has launched a peace campaign, calling on residents and political leaders to reject violence following the chaos that erupted on Saturday at UDA’s Delegates meeting chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
According to Kenya News Agency, the chaos left two people dead, several injured, and six vehicles burnt, with the women leaders saying they have a greater stake in peacebuilding. They emphasized that women often bear the brunt of political violence through loss of loved ones, displacement, livelihood loss, and the burden of caring for those injured.
Speaking on Monday afternoon in Embu Town, the women called on rival political camps to embrace tolerance and allow one another to hold meetings and sell their political agendas without interference. They also cautioned against what they termed political ‘gatecrashing’, urging supporters to respect the organizers and rules of political meetings and avoid forcing their way into gatherings to which they have not been invited.
Led by Gladys Ndunge from Mwea Sub-County, the women further warned political leaders against using young people to provoke confrontations, noting that youths are often left to face the consequences while those who sponsor and mobilize them remain protected. They called on residents, particularly the youth, to refuse to be used to cause violence, stressing that political disagreements should never result in loss of life or destruction of property.
The leaders vowed to mobilize women across the county to reject violence, pledging to use their numbers to punish leaders who use violence and intimidation to solicit support in the upcoming 2027 General Election. The campaign comes amid heightened political tensions in the county following violent confrontations on Saturday.
Police have so far arrested three suspects as they also pursue Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji over his alleged role in the chaos. The MP has moved to court in Nairobi in a bid to secure anticipatory bond to stop his arrest.
