The Kasipul parliamentary by-election has taken a decisive turn after the two leading contenders, Philip Aroko and Boyd Were, signed a peace agreement aimed at halting the deadly clashes that have rocked the constituency in recent weeks.
The agreement was inked shortly after the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) fined both candidates Sh1 million each for allegedly violating the harmonised campaign schedule earlier agreed upon by all aspirants. IEBC stated that the fines payable within 48 hours were necessary to restore order in a constituency it said has been “bleeding” from escalating violence.
According to the IEBC’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, both Aroko, running as an Independent, and Were, the ODM candidate, disregarded the structured campaign timetable. Their failure to maintain discipline, the committee noted, created situations where rival groups clashed at the same venues, resulting in confrontations that tragically turned fatal.
The by-election was triggered by the brutal daylight murder of former MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, a killing that shocked the region and heightened political tensions. In recent days, two people have died and several others injured following violent confrontations between supporters aligned to the two camps.
The most significant incident occurred in Opondo, Central Kasipul, where a campaign event hosted by Were descended into chaos after suspected goons launched an attack. Members of his security team and several residents sustained serious injuries. While Were blamed his rival for orchestrating the violence, Aroko’s team has strongly denied the allegations, accusing ODM supporters of provoking the clashes.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed that hearings into the violence began on November 17 and warned that the commission will not hesitate to disqualify any candidate who violates the electoral code. Disqualification remains a real possibility should the violence continue.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has also pledged swift investigations, vowing that every perpetrator regardless of political affiliation will be held accountable.
With the two candidates now committed to adhering to the harmonised campaign schedule, IEBC hopes the remainder of the campaign will proceed peacefully, but the commission will closely monitor compliance and take decisive action if necessary.
