UDA deputy presidential candidate Rigathi Gachagua was on Wednesday afternoon whisked to safety after rival groups engaged in stone-throwing during a political rally at Mutuati in Igembe North, Meru County.
It is suspected local politics caused the hostility.
Police were forced to hurl teargas to disperse the rival groups.
Some of the rally attendees were forced to seek refuge at the Mutuati Sub-County Hospital as the chaos escalated.
Medics were forced to shield patients from the refuge-seekers.
READ MORE
Why Ol-Kalou by-election is a litmus test for Gachagua, voters
At half time, Gachagua's retreat yet to show white smoke
Besides Gachagua, other leaders escorted to safety were Meru Senator Mithika Linturi and South Imenti Member of Parliament Kathuri Murungi.
The Mathira Member of Parliament had earlier presided over peaceful political rallies in other parts of Meru County.
