The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued stringent directives to all candidates in the Kasipul Constituency by-election after a series of violent clashes marred the campaign period, resulting in at least two deaths and serious injuries to several individuals, including police officers. In a ruling delivered on Monday, November 17, 2025, the IEBC's Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee ordered all contestants to strictly adhere to the official, harmonized campaign schedule. The commission warned that any candidate found in breach of the electoral code could face severe penalties, including disqualification from the November 27 poll.

The intervention follows multiple violent incidents that have heightened tensions in the Homa Bay County constituency. The by-election was necessitated by the murder of the area's former Member of Parliament, Charles Ong'ondo Were, in Nairobi in April 2025. The campaign has been fiercely contested, primarily between the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate, Boyd Were, and independent candidate Philip Aroko.

A Campaign Marred by Violence

The security situation in Kasipul deteriorated significantly in early November. On Thursday, November 6, 2025, a confrontation between supporters of Boyd Were and Philip Aroko in the Opondo area of Central Kasipul Ward turned fatal. The clash resulted in the deaths of two young men, identified as Ben Ondiege and Bruno Onyango, both 26-year-old supporters of Aroko, who were reportedly hacked to death. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the fatalities and stated that several others were injured during the skirmishes, in which gunshots were also reported.

In a separate, alarming incident on Wednesday, November 12, three Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers were attacked and seriously injured by a large group of armed youths. The officers, including the Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI head Daniel Muhuhi, were attempting to arrest suspects linked to the earlier killings at the home of the late former MP Ong'ondo Were in Kachien Village. The assailants reportedly overwhelmed the officers, allowing five suspects to escape, one of whom was already in handcuffs.

IEBC's Decisive Action

In response to the escalating violence, the IEBC's enforcement committee convened on Monday, November 17, to hear four complaints related to the by-election. The commission stated it was “cognizant of the much-reported violence” and was keen to ensure a level playing field where candidates can campaign without fear or intimidation. The key directive issued was the mandatory adherence to the pre-agreed campaign timetable by all candidates.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon warned that the commission would not hesitate to invoke its powers under the Elections Act, which could include barring candidates or parties from campaigning. A final, reasoned decision on the specific complaints is expected to be delivered on Tuesday, November 18, 2025. The move has been supported by joint statements from the National Police Service (NPS) and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), who have condemned the violence and pledged to enhance security.

Implications for Kenyan Elections

The events in Kasipul cast a spotlight on the persistent challenge of electoral violence in Kenya. The country has a documented history of violent political competition, most notably the 2007-2008 post-election violence. The IEBC's firm stance in Kasipul is a critical test of its commitment to enforcing the Electoral Code of Conduct, which prohibits the use of force, intimidation, and other malpractices. The Elections Act provides for severe penalties, including fines up to KSh 2 million and imprisonment for up to six years for offenders.

Political leaders, including ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga, have condemned the lawlessness, calling on security agencies to act decisively to protect voters and ensure a peaceful process. The by-election, with ten cleared candidates, is seen as a significant political contest in the Nyanza region. The outcome of the IEBC's disciplinary process and the conduct of the poll on November 27 will be closely watched as an indicator of the state's capacity to manage electoral security and uphold the rule of law ahead of future elections.