The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kasipul by-election candidates Boyd Were and Philip Aroko Sh1 million each following the deadly clashes that left two people dead and several others injured during a campaign confrontation earlier this month.
The penalties, payable within 48 hours, were issued after a disciplinary hearing in which the commission accused both candidates of violating the harmonized campaign schedule and fueling tensions that spiraled into violence in the Opondo area, Central Kasipul Ward, on November 6.
According to police, gunshots were reported as rival supporters clashed, leaving two young men dead. Authorities are pursuing a licensed firearm holder believed to have fired twice into the air during the chaos. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said the violence erupted after an incident at ODM candidate Boyd Were’s campaign venue triggered panic, prompting retaliation from his supporters.
The by-election follows the tragic killing of area MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead in Nairobi in April 2025 by unknown assailants.
In its statement, the IEBC said both Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko had ignored the agreed campaign timetable, a move the commission said directly contributed to the escalation of tensions among their supporters. The election agency accused them of “recklessness” and failing to provide leadership that would have discouraged confrontation.
As part of the disciplinary measures, the two candidates were ordered to sign a commitment to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule ahead of the November 27 by-election. Both have also received formal warnings indicating that any repeat of the offence could attract harsher sanctions, including possible disqualification from the race.
“The commission will not hesitate to invoke stronger penalties should the candidates, or their agents, engage in conduct that undermines peace, public order, or the integrity of the electoral process,” the committee warned.
The violence has heightened security concerns in Kasipul, with residents and civil groups urging the government to strengthen enforcement of campaign regulations and ensure that political events do not become flashpoints for deadly confrontations.
The IEBC appealed to all aspirants in the race to exercise restraint, guide their supporters, and uphold peaceful campaign practices as the by-election enters its final stretch. All eyes are now on whether Were and Aroko will comply with the commission’s directives—and whether calm can be restored in the tense constituency.
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