The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has taken decisive action against two Kasipul Constituency by-election candidates following recent unrest in the region. In a statement on Wednesday, November 19, the Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee fined ODM candidate Boyd Were and Independent candidate Philip Aroko Ksh1 million each for violating the electoral code during campaign activities.
The Committee, chaired by Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, directed the two candidates to settle the fines within 48 hours. Failure to comply will attract further disciplinary measures, including potential removal from the upcoming November 27 by-election.
“Mr Philip Aroko for the violation is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours, and similarly, Mr Boyd Were is also condemned to pay Ksh1 million within 48 hours,” Mukhwana announced. He added that the Commission would not hesitate to invoke harsher penalties if any of the candidates repeated similar offences.
Beyond the fines, the Commission instructed all candidates participating in the Kasipul by-election to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule earlier agreed upon in the presence of the aspirants. The directive aims to restore order following heightened political tensions in the constituency.
IEBC further disclosed that it had received intelligence reports implicating the Homa Bay County Government in unlawful interference in the campaign process. The Commission particularly criticised Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration for allegedly deploying public resources and involving county officials in political activities—an act prohibited under Section 14 of the Elections Offences Act.
The sanctions come in the wake of violent clashes in the Opondo area, which left two people dead, several injured, and property destroyed. The confrontation reportedly involved supporters of Boyd Were and Philip Aroko, prompting IEBC to summon both candidates for a disciplinary hearing on Monday, November 17.
As Kasipul prepares for the November 27 by-election, the Commission has reiterated its commitment to ensuring a peaceful, lawful, and credible electoral process.
