NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates Philip Aroko and Boyd Were Sh1 million each following violent clashes that left two people dead and several others injured.
The fines, which must be paid within 48 hours, come after supporters of the two candidates clashed at political rallies in Central Kasipul Ward, Homa Bay County, on November 6.
Gunshots were reported during the confrontation, and authorities are seeking a licensed gun holder who allegedly fired into the air twice amid the chaos.
County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem said the unrest erupted after an incident at Were’s campaign venue sparked panic among his supporters.
“As Were went to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters reacted, which resulted in the tragic death of two youths,” Koilem explained.
The Kasipul seat fell vacant after the April 2025 murder of late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi.
In a disciplinary hearing, the IEBC held both candidates responsible for flouting the harmonised campaign schedule, which it said contributed to the fatal confrontation.
Aroko, an independent candidate, and Were of the ODM party were also given stern warnings to fully comply with the agreed campaign timetable.
“The lack of discipline by the candidates inflamed tensions instead of guiding their supporters toward peaceful engagement,” the commission stated.
It further warned that any repeat of the offences could attract harsher penalties, including possible disqualification from the by-election scheduled for November 27.
The commission has urged all political actors in Kasipul to exercise restraint and ensure that their campaigns proceed peacefully, emphasizing that the integrity of the electoral process must be protected.
As the by-election approaches, eyes remain on whether the candidates will comply with IEBC directives to prevent further violence in the tense constituency.
