Kenya’s electoral body has summoned two leading candidates in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election after a week of deadly clashes that have left the constituency on edge.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the Commission had completed investigations into the unrest and would begin hearings on Monday, warning that the candidates could face sanctions — including possible disqualification — if found in breach of the electoral code.
“We are aware of the incidences of violence in Kasipul,” Mr Ethekon said on Friday. “Our investigations team has been on the ground, and we now have the final report. The Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee will summon the candidates on Monday.”
The summons target Boyd Were, running on an ODM ticket, and Philip Aroko, an independent candidate. Their supporters have blamed each other for the clashes that erupted earlier this month, leaving two people dead and several others injured.
A Chief Suspended, and Questions Over His Role
The violence has already prompted action from the government. On Friday, the Interior Ministry suspended an assistant chief accused of participating in political activities and hosting rival groups at his home before a meeting turned violent.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koime confirmed that detectives were probing the public officer’s involvement, saying further action would follow depending on the findings.
“An administrative action has been taken because the two young men were killed in his homestead,” Mr Koime said. “We are investigating him to establish whether he participated in the murder.”
Accounts from the village differ. Some residents say the chief had been trying to mediate between the rival camps. Others allege he favoured one candidate and used the meeting as cover for an attack. Both candidates have denied responsibility, but tensions remain high.
DCI Officers Injured in Confrontation
The unrest escalated again on Thursday when several officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations were injured in a confrontation with armed men in Kasipul. According to police, the officers were ambushed while attempting to arrest suspects linked to the earlier killings.
Among the injured was Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI boss Daniel Muhuhi. Police said the group the officers were trailing fled to the homestead of the late Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, where they attacked the detectives.
The violence comes as Kasipul prepares for the 27 November by-election, called after the seat fell vacant. Security officers have since increased patrols in the area, and the IEBC says it is monitoring the situation closely.
The Commission’s hearings next week will determine whether the candidates breached the electoral code — a move that could reshape the race if penalties are issued.