Kasipul By-Election Candidates Fined Ksh. 1 Million Over Deadly Campaign Clashes

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates Phillip Aroko and Boyd Were Ksh. 1 million each following violent clashes between their supporters that left two people dead

IEBC Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana said both Aroko, an independent candidate, and Were of the ODM party breached the electoral code of conduct by ignoring the harmonized campaign schedule, which directly contributed to the violence

The clashes occurred on November 6, 2025, in Opondo, Central Kasipul Ward, after Aroko and his supporters reportedly stormed Were’s campaign venue, firing shots into the air and triggering panic

Were’s supporters retaliated while reporting the incident at Oyugis Police Station, resulting in the fatal hacking of two of Aroko’s supporters, aged 26

“The investigation confirmed that both parties were not authorized to campaign in that area on the day of the incident,” Commissioner Mukhwana said. “Both failed to take reasonable steps to restrain their supporters and coordinate peacefully”

The IEBC has ordered the candidates to pay the fine within 48 hours. Should violence recur, they face disqualification from the November 27 by-election

 Also read : IEBC Chair Warns Budget Cuts Could Disrupt 2027 General Election

Both Aroko and Were later signed the Political Decency Charter, committing to peaceful campaigning. Aroko stated he remains committed to maintaining peace, while Were urged Kasipul residents to embrace unity

The Kasipul parliamentary seat became vacant following the murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were in Nairobi on April 30, 2025

Writer : Mweru Mbugua