The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has strongly condemned the escalating violence in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the November 27 by-election, calling for immediate intervention by security agencies and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a peaceful and fair poll.
In a statement issued on Friday, ODM Chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga expressed deep concern over a violent attack that disrupted a voter engagement meeting organized by the party’s candidate, Boyd Were. The meeting, held on Thursday, reportedly turned tragic when armed individuals believed to be supporters of a rival candidate stormed the venue, destroyed property, and left several people dead and others injured.
Governor Wanga described the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable,” warning that such acts of lawlessness threaten the democratic process and the safety of residents. “The people of Kasipul deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation, or coercion,” she stated.
Wanga further noted that this was not an isolated event, recalling an earlier attack during a Women Empowerment Programme in Sikri, where vehicles belonging to ODM supporters were vandalised and women were harassed and injured.
The party has urged police to move swiftly to arrest and prosecute both the perpetrators and the financiers of the violence. ODM also called on the IEBC to ensure a level playing field for all candidates and guarantee the credibility of the electoral process.
Additionally, the party appealed to all candidates and their supporters to exercise restraint and avoid inflammatory remarks that could heighten tensions as campaigns intensify.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem confirmed that investigations into the incident are underway and assured residents that officers are on the ground to restore calm and bring those responsible to justice.
