Police in Homa Bay County have launched investigations following a deadly confrontation that left two people dead and several others injured during the Kasipul parliamentary by-election campaigns. The violent clash erupted on Thursday afternoon at Opondo area in Central Kasipul Ward, involving supporters of independent candidate Phillip Aroko and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were.
According to County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem, chaos broke out after Aroko and his supporters allegedly stormed Were’s campaign venue and fired shots into the air, sparking panic among the crowd. The incident quickly escalated into violent skirmishes between the rival groups.
Koilem reported that as Boyd Were proceeded to report the disturbance at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters allegedly retaliated by attacking Aroko’s team. Two young men, both aged 26 and supporters of Aroko, were fatally hacked during the confrontation.
The police commander confirmed that investigations are ongoing and that officers have been deployed to restore calm in the area. “No one will be spared. Those responsible for the killings and violence will face the law,” Koilem stated.
Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga condemned the incident, urging both the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and law enforcement agencies to take firm action against anyone involved in political violence. She emphasized the need for peaceful campaigns ahead of the Kasipul by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025.
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the tragic murder of former MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead by unknown assailants in Nairobi earlier this year.
As the campaigns intensify, authorities are calling on all candidates to uphold peace and respect electoral laws to ensure a fair and violence-free election process.
