A critical security operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, was violently disrupted on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, when a mob of over 100 youths attacked officers, leading to the injury of three detectives and the escape of five murder suspects. The brazen assault, which occurred amidst a volatile by-election campaign, has drawn sharp condemnation and escalated fears of widespread violence in a region already on edge.

The DCI team, led by Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI boss Daniel Muhuhi, was attempting to arrest suspects linked to the recent killing of two youths in Opondo village, Central Kasipul. According to a statement from Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, the officers had tracked the suspects to Kosele Trading Centre before the suspects fled and sought refuge at the Kachien Village homestead of the late area Member of Parliament, Ong'ondo Were.

It was at this location that the operation turned chaotic. After successfully apprehending five individuals, the officers were preparing to depart when they were ambushed by a large, hostile crowd armed with crude weapons. In the ensuing confrontation, Officer Muhuhi and two other detectives sustained serious injuries. The mob overwhelmed the officers, allowing all five arrested suspects to escape, with one reportedly still in handcuffs. The injured officers were subsequently rushed to Rachuonyo South Sub-County Hospital for medical treatment.

A By-Election Marred by Violence

The attack is not an isolated incident but the latest flashpoint in a fiercely contested by-election scheduled for November 27, 2025. The poll was necessitated by the assassination of MP Charles Ong'ondo Were in Nairobi on April 30, 2025, an event that created a political vacuum and intensified local rivalries. The constituency, with 67,513 registered voters, has since become a hotbed of political tension.

The campaign has been characterized by violent clashes, notably the killing of two young men on November 6, 2025, during a confrontation between supporters of the main contenders: Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and independent candidate Philip Aroko. Both camps have traded blame for the escalating violence. ODM, through its chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, condemned the violence, alleging that an event for their candidate, Boyd Were, was disrupted by "goons linked to a rival camp." Conversely, Aroko has accused his opponents of orchestrating violence to intimidate his supporters.

Official Response and Security Concerns

The attack on state security officers has prompted a swift response from law enforcement and electoral authorities. Homa Bay Police Commander Lawrence Koilem has vowed that a manhunt is underway to re-arrest the escaped suspects and apprehend those who obstructed the officers. "We will not relent until all the suspects and those who obstructed justice are brought to book," Koilem affirmed.

In a statement released on Thursday, November 13, 2025, the National Police Service (NPS) assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a secure electoral environment. NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga announced a "robust, multi-faceted security plan" developed in coordination with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to maintain order before, during, and after the by-election. The NPS stressed its neutrality and warned that any acts of incitement, hate speech, or violence would be met with "the full force of the law."

The IEBC has also condemned the recurring violence. In a press release on November 7, 2025, following the initial killings, the commission warned that candidates and political parties found culpable of violating the Electoral Code of Conduct could face severe penalties, including disqualification. The commission confirmed it had dispatched an investigation team to ascertain the facts on the ground.

The events in Kasipul serve as a critical test for Kenya's democratic process and its ability to manage electoral security. As the by-election approaches, the focus remains on the capacity of security agencies to restore order and the commitment of political actors to de-escalate tensions, ensuring that the constituents of Kasipul can exercise their democratic right without fear.