Kasipul aspirants, Were and Philip Aroko fined 1 M. Owing to deadly clashes.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined two contestants for the Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates to pay Sh.1 million each.
This was after they electoral agency held them responsible for sparking clashes that left two people aged 26 years dead.
IEBC commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana, said that independent candidate Phillip Aroko and ODM’s Boyd Were breached the electoral code of conduct by flaunting the harmonized campaign schedule that led to the violence and loss of lives.
MP Roza Buyu condemns violence against women in Kibuye Market dispute. The clash occurred on November 6, 2025, at Opondo area in Central Kasipul Ward, after Aroko and his supporters allegedly stormed Were’s campaign venue and fired shots into the air, sparking panic and violence.
Were opted to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, when his supporters unexpectedly retaliated against Aroko’s team, leading to hacking of two supporters aged 26.
Mukhwana, who chairs Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, said that a prompt probe was initiated after the two parties filed a complaint against each other.
Following investigations by the commission, it was deduced that both parties agree that they erred by taking their campaigns in the area yet they were not suppose to sell their agenda at Opondo area where violence erupted.
“This position was further confirmed by the returning officer that both parties were not permitted to be at Opondo area,”
The supporters were seen carrying and wielding arms and weapons during the rallies.
“They failed to cooperate with each other in good faith to avoid organizing public meetings and demonstrations to happen at the same time. They failed to take reasonable steps to restrain their followers.” Mukhwana said.
The commission further maintained that the candidates have a duty to uphold peace, avoid intimidation and ensure their supporters respect the law.
“Violence, intimidation, or chaos by any aspirant or their supporters can never be tolerated. It should never be acceptable for any aspirant or participant in an election to fuel violence or intimidate anyone.
Additionally, the commission strictly directed the two aspirants to pay a fine to IEBC within the next 48 hours and cautioned of a possible disqualification from participating in the November 27 by-elections should chaos re-erupts.
Mukhwana reiterated that every candidate must uphold peace and any violation of the electoral code of conduct will be dealt with by law.
“What this committee has rendered today ought to serve as a clear warning to all participants in Kasipul and other areas that children must be safe where the violence is being caused.
Women, youth and elderly must stride into polling centers without the fear that a machete will hack their head’ he stated.
Aroko and Were have since signed the Political Decency Charter, declaring to maintain peace and harmony during their campaigns
“I have been a peaceful man since I started this campaign in 2023, so I will still maintain peace.” Aroko said while acknowledging that he has signed the Political Decency Charter a document which might render hon disqualified if he fails to adhere to the commission’s rules We’re on the other hand reaffirmed his commitment in advocating for peace in Kasipul
‘ I urge all residents of Kasipul, let us maintain peace and embrace each other.”
The contested seat has been vacant since April 30, when MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, was assassinated by unknown assailants
The commission maintained that the candidates have a duty to uphold peace, avoid intimidation and ensure their supporters respect the law.
“Violence, intimidation, or chaos by any aspirant or their supporters can never be tolerated. It should never be acceptable for any aspirant or participant in an election to fuel violence or intimidate anyone.
