The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has summoned Boyd Were and Philip Aroko, leading candidates in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, amid escalating violence that has killed two people and injured several others. Hearings are set to begin on November 17, with possible disqualifications looming as the polls approach on November 27. Police are also investigating a suspended assistant chief linked to the clashes.
Violence has marred the Kasipul parliamentary by-election campaigns in Homa Bay County, prompting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to summon the two frontrunners: Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and independent candidate Philip Aroko. IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced on November 14 that the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee would start hearings on November 17, based on an investigation report into the incidents. "We are aware of the incidences of violence in Kasipul. Immediately we heard of the incidents, we dispatched our investigations team to the ground, they conducted investigations and now we have the final report," Ethekon stated. He added, "We have empaneled the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee which will commence its work on Monday, to summon those candidates in Kasipul."
The clashes began on November 6 at the home of a suspended assistant chief, who had hosted representatives from both camps in an apparent peace-brokering effort. The meeting turned deadly, resulting in two deaths and multiple injuries as supporters of Were and Aroko fought. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koime confirmed the suspension, saying, "An administrative action has been taken against the assistant chief because the two young men were killed in his homestead. We are investigating him to find out if he participated in the murder of the two men."
Further violence erupted during Were's campaign event in Opondo, Central Kasipul, where suspected goons—allegedly hired by Aroko—attacked, injuring Were's security personnel and locals while destroying property like a public address system. The attackers then moved to Nyalenda, wrecking tents and chairs. Were, the son of the late MP Charles Ong'ondo Were, whose murder in broad daylight left the seat vacant, blamed his rival. Aroko countered by accusing Were's security team of orchestrating the violence, claiming one resident was killed and others critically injured.
On November 13, several Directorate of Criminal Investigation officers, including Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI boss Daniel Muhuhi, were injured in an ambush while pursuing suspects linked to the Opondo killings. The operation led to the late MP's homestead in Kachien Village after the suspects fled from Kosele Trading Centre. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja pledged speedy investigations. The by-election, scheduled for November 27, faces jeopardy if disqualifications occur, raising fears over the polls' fairness amid ongoing tensions despite police and ODM efforts to restore calm.