Homa Bay County, Kenya – Tension gripped Kasipul Constituency on Thursday afternoon after a violent confrontation between supporters of two parliamentary by-election candidates left two people dead and several others injured.
According to police, the clashes broke out at Opondo area in Central Kasipul Ward when rival supporters of Independent candidate Phillip Aroko and ODM’s Boyd Were engaged in running battles during campaign rallies ahead of the upcoming Kasipul by-election.
Chaos Erupts After Gunfire Incident
Confirming the incident, Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem said the violence began when Aroko and his supporters allegedly stormed Were’s campaign venue and fired shots into the air, triggering panic and retaliation from the opposing camp.
“We have established that there were gunshots fired, and this sparked chaos between the two groups,” said Koilem.
Moments later, as Boyd Were went to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters are said to have retaliated against Aroko’s team, leading to the fatal hacking of two youths, both aged 26 and reported to be Aroko’s supporters.
Police Launch Investigations
Koilem confirmed that investigations are underway, with officers already deployed to restore calm and trace those responsible for the violence.
“No one will be spared. We will arrest and prosecute everyone involved in this barbaric act,” he said.
He added that the police had intensified patrols across Kasipul Constituency to prevent further confrontations ahead of the election.
Political Leaders Condemn Violence
Homa Bay Governor and ODM Chairperson Gladys Wanga condemned the incident, calling for swift action by both the police and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to maintain peace during the campaign period.
“We cannot allow political competition to turn deadly. I urge all candidates and their supporters to respect the law and allow the people of Kasipul to exercise their democratic rights peacefully,” said Wanga.
Background of the By-Election
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the tragic murder of former MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead by unknown assailants in Nairobi earlier this year.
The by-election is scheduled for November 27, 2025, and has attracted several candidates, with campaigns intensifying across the constituency.
Authorities have urged all political players to conduct peaceful campaigns, warning that security agencies will take firm action against incitement and election-related violence.
