HOMA BAY, KENYA – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned all candidates in the Kasipul constituency by-election for a hearing on Monday, November 17, 2025, following violent clashes that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. In a statement, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon confirmed the commission has launched a formal investigation and warned that any candidate found to have violated the electoral code of conduct faces disqualification.

The violence, which erupted during campaign activities in Central Kasipul, led to two fatalities and left several others with critical injuries. While police reports have not officially released the names of the deceased, initial reports identified them as Ben Ondiege and Bruno Onyango. DETAILS UNCONFIRMED. The clashes also involved the destruction of vehicles and other campaign materials, escalating tensions in the run-up to the by-election scheduled for Thursday, November 27.

“The commission condemns, in the strongest terms possible, the senseless acts of violence,” Mr. Ethekon stated in a press release dated Friday, November 7. “Such hooliganism, harassment, intimidation and wanton destruction are unacceptable, for they undermine the very democratic gains our country has worked so hard to achieve.” The IEBC has since established a Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee to manage the investigation and subsequent hearings.

Deepening Security Crisis

The security situation in the constituency has deteriorated further, complicating the electoral environment. On Wednesday, November 12, three Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers were seriously injured after being attacked by a mob while attempting to arrest suspects linked to the killings. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the officers, including the Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI head, were ambushed at the homestead of the late former Kasipul Member of Parliament, Ong'ondo Were. One of the primary suspects reportedly escaped from custody during the melee.

In response to the escalating violence, government authorities have suspended the Assistant Chief of Nyalenda Sub-location, Hemstone Gumbo. Mr. Koilem stated the suspension was an administrative action to allow for investigations into allegations that the administrator abetted the violence, which reportedly occurred within his homestead.

A Test for the New Commission

The by-election in Kasipul, which pits the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's candidate Boyd Were against independent candidate Philip Aroko, is a significant early test for the new IEBC leadership. The commission, led by Mr. Ethekon, was formally sworn into office in July 2025 after a prolonged vacancy that followed the departure of the Wafula Chebukati-led team in January 2023. The reconstitution of the commission was seen as a critical step toward preparing for numerous by-elections and the 2027 General Election.

The events in Kasipul are unfolding as the ODM party, a major political force in the region, holds its 20th-anniversary celebrations in Mombasa. The anniversary, running from November 14 to 16, is intended to celebrate the party's contributions to Kenya's democratic journey and honor the legacy of its late founder, Raila Odinga. The contrast between the commemorative events in Mombasa and the deadly political violence in a constituency with a strong ODM presence highlights the persistent challenges of ensuring peaceful electoral competition in Kenya.

The outcome of the IEBC's hearings on Monday and the broader security response in Kasipul will be closely monitored as a key indicator of the new commission's capacity and resolve to enforce electoral laws and prevent violence. The commission has urged security agencies to expedite their investigations and ensure all perpetrators are brought to justice.