Mukunji Lawyers Demand Impartial Probe Into Deadly Nembure Violence

Lawyers representing Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji have written to the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations demanding an impartial investigation into the deadly violence that erupted at Nembure Ground in Embu County last weekend.

The lawyers have also raised concerns over what they describe as contradictory statements from the state regarding whether the legislator is a suspect in investigations into the violence.

In a letter dated September 15, 2026, Ndegwa and Ndegwa Associates said Mukunji learnt through comments by Government Spokesperson Charles Owino, aired on Citizen Television, that police were allegedly pursuing him in connection with the Nembure incident.

According to the law firm, the statement contradicted earlier indications from police that the MP was not under investigation.

“Our client is therefore left in a state of complete and justified bewilderment as to which of the two conflicting positions is the official and truthful stance of the state,” the lawyers wrote.

One Person Killed During Nembure Chaos

The violence broke out on Saturday, September 12, during a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) delegates' meeting at Nembure Grounds in Embu County.

The meeting was presided over by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and attended by Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire and other senior political leaders.

The National Police Service reported that one person died during the unrest, while six vehicles were torched after a group allegedly attempted to storm the meeting venue.

Police officers used tear gas to disperse the group as tensions escalated.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has since arrested at least three people in connection with the violence and indicated that more arrests could follow as investigations continue.

Mukunji Distances Himself From Violence

Mukunji has publicly denied involvement in the unrest, and his lawyers reiterated his position in their letter.

The law firm said the MP “categorically, unequivocally, and without any reservation whatsoever” condemns the violence witnessed at Nembure Ground.

The lawyers said their client remains ready to cooperate with any lawful and impartial investigation but warned against what they described as an attempt to make him a “scapegoat” for the violence.

The letter also questioned the circumstances surrounding the use of firearms during the incident.

The advocates claim that the people who died during the violence sustained gunshot injuries and have called for scrutiny of the circumstances under which force was authorised.

Lawyers Raise Questions Over Kindiki's Alleged Orders

Mukunji's lawyers have also raised allegations concerning Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, claiming that he was heard issuing orders linked to the shooting.

The advocates referenced Articles 27 and 143 of the Constitution, arguing that the constitutional provisions do not shield the Deputy President from criminal prosecution.

The allegations have not been established by a court, and the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation.

Lawyers Accuse Police of Harassing Mukunji's Family

The lawyers have further demanded that police and DCI officers immediately stop what they described as surveillance and harassment of Mukunji and his family.

They specifically raised concerns over the presence of security officers at the MP's rural home in Mutunduri, including what they described as surveillance involving his school-going children.

Police officers were reportedly seen outside the legislator's home on Sunday.

The lawyers characterised the deployment as unlawful and demanded that the alleged surveillance cease.

However, Eastern Regional Police Commander Stephen Chebet said the officers were conducting routine patrols and maintained that the area around Mukunji's home had not been restricted.

Chebet said police would question the MP if investigations established that he was linked to the Nembure violence.

Government Defends Pursuit of MP

Government Spokesperson Charles Owino, responding to questions on September 14, defended the police decision to seek Mukunji.

Owino said investigators had a reason for looking for the MP but declined to disclose details of what investigators had established before Mukunji was located and questioned.

The differing statements have now become a central concern for Mukunji's legal team, which is demanding clarity on whether the MP is formally considered a suspect.

Gachagua Weighs In

The dispute has also attracted political attention, with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua accusing Kindiki and Governor Cecily Mbarire of using security agencies to intimidate Mukunji.

The allegations have added another layer to the political fallout surrounding the Nembure violence.

The Deputy President's camp has not directly addressed Gachagua's accusations.

As investigations continue, Mukunji's lawyers are pushing for a process they say must be transparent, impartial and free from political interference, while police and the DCI maintain that their actions are part of efforts to establish those responsible for the violence.