The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has spoken out after the violence witnessed during the Kasipul parliamentary campaigns that left two people dead.
In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, the IEBC warned of the potential disqualification of candidates and political parties, urging all parties involved in the electoral process to adhere to the Electoral Code of Conduct.
In condemning the incident, IEBC revealed that it had dispatched an investigation team to the area to look into the circumstances that led to the violence between supporters of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were and his rival Philip Aroko, who was standing as an independent.
According to the IEBC, the investigating team will recommend the appropriate level of action in line with the Electoral Code of Conduct after the investigations, with disqualification a likely outcome.
“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) 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,” noted the Commission.
Adding: “The Commission wishes to remind political parties, their members, candidates, and all persons involved in the electoral process that they must all strictly observe the Electoral Code of Conduct. Non-adherence to the Code attracts serious penal consequences, including disqualification of candidates or parties found culpable.”
In the chaos seen on Thursday, November 6, Boyd was attacked after suspected hired goons stormed his campaign event.
The incident, which took place in Opondo in Central Kasipul, left Were's security personnel with critical injuries, and several other locals were injured in the ensuing chaos.
Confirming the incident, Boyd - the eldest son of the late former Kasipul MP Ong'ondo Were - noted that the event had begun peacefully, but turned chaotic when the suspected hired goons, which he claimed were hired by his opponent Aroko, started attacking people.
"Within minutes, they stormed the venue, alighted from their vehicles, and directed unprovoked attacks toward us. Sadly, gunshots were heard, disrupting the peace that had initially prevailed," Boyd narrated.
Witnesses revealed that the attackers destroyed people's property, including a public address system that had been set up for use by Boyd and his campaign team.
Responding to the accusations, Aroko launched a counter accusation, criticising Boyd's security team for allegedly orchestrating the violence witnessed in Central Kasipul.
According to Aroko, one resident was allegedly killed during the wrangles, with several others left nursing critical injuries, with the latter attributing the incident to Boyd's campaign team.
The police are yet to officially comment on the matter, but IEBC urged security agencies to conduct speedy investigations into the matter.
