The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a stern warning to political parties and candidates following deadly campaign violence in Kasipul Constituency, which left two people dead.
In a statement released on Friday, November 7, the IEBC condemned the incidents and confirmed it had dispatched an investigative team to determine the cause of the clashes between supporters of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission is deeply saddened and dismayed by the incidents of political violence reported in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025,” the commission noted. The IEBC further reminded all parties involved in the electoral process to strictly adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct, warning that violations could lead to the disqualification of candidates or political parties.
The violence erupted on Thursday, November 6, during a campaign event in Opondo, Central Kasipul, when Boyd Were was allegedly attacked by hired assailants. According to Were, the attackers, whom he claimed were linked to Aroko, stormed the venue, firing shots and injuring his security personnel and several local residents. Property, including a public address system, was also destroyed during the chaos.
Philip Aroko, however, refuted the allegations, accusing Boyd’s security team of instigating the violence. He claimed one resident was killed, and several others injured, due to actions by Were’s team.
While police have yet to release an official statement, the IEBC has urged law enforcement agencies to carry out prompt investigations. The commission emphasized that the investigation team will recommend appropriate actions based on their findings, with disqualification of the candidates involved being a likely outcome.
The Kasipul by-election is scheduled for November 27, 2025, and the IEBC’s warning underscores the need for peaceful campaigning and strict adherence to electoral laws ahead of the vote.
