Escalating Tensions Lead to Fatalities

Two men were killed on Thursday, November 6, 2025, in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County, following violent clashes between supporters of rival political camps ahead of the November 27 by-election. The incident, which occurred in the Opondo area of Central Kasipul Ward, has heightened tensions in a region with a history of volatile political contests and drawn swift condemnation from national and local leaders. The victims, identified as Ben Ondiege and Bruno Onyango, both 26, were reportedly supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko and died from injuries sustained during the altercation. Several other people were injured in the chaos that involved supporters of Mr. Aroko and his main rival, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party's candidate, Boyd Were.

Conflicting Reports on the Catalyst of Violence

Accounts of what triggered the deadly confrontation differ. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem stated that the violence erupted when Mr. Aroko's campaign trail encountered a gathering being addressed by ODM politicians. According to police reports, gunshots were fired, leading to widespread panic and retaliation. Mr. Koilem noted that after the initial disruption, Mr. Were went to report the matter at Oyugis Police Station. In his absence, his supporters allegedly retaliated against Mr. Aroko's camp, leading to the two fatalities. Both political camps have traded blame for instigating the violence. The ODM party, in a statement released on Friday, November 7, 2025, by its chairperson and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, condemned the incident, claiming Mr. Were's peaceful voter engagement was violently disrupted by "goons linked to a rival candidate."

A History of Political Volatility

The Kasipul by-election was necessitated by the assassination of the former Member of Parliament, Charles Ong'ondo Were, who was shot dead in Nairobi on April 30, 2025. The late MP, father to the ODM candidate Boyd Were, had a controversial legacy, with his tenure marked by allegations of sponsoring violence and intimidating rivals, claims he always denied. The constituency has been described as a political tinderbox, and the violence during the party nomination process in September, which saw vehicles vandalized, foreshadowed the current tensions. This latest incident revives painful memories and underscores the deep-seated political hostilities within the constituency.

IEBC and Security Agencies Respond

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has launched a formal investigation into the killings. In a statement on Friday, November 7, 2025, IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned the "senseless acts of violence" and warned that the commission would not hesitate to disqualify candidates or parties found to be in breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct. "Violence has no place in a democracy and must be met with a firm and lawful response," Mr. Ethekon stated, confirming that an investigation team had been dispatched to Kasipul to establish the facts. In response to the escalating insecurity, Homa Bay County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi convened a crisis meeting with the candidates, urging them to commit to peaceful campaigns. Police presence has been significantly increased in the area to prevent further unrest as investigations continue.

Implications for Kenyan Elections

The events in Kasipul serve as a grim reminder of the potential for electoral violence in Kenya. With the country still healing from past politically instigated conflicts, this incident puts the conduct of political parties and the preparedness of security and electoral institutions under sharp scrutiny. Leaders, including Kileleshwa Member of County Assembly Robert Alai, have called for decisive action, with some suggesting the disqualification of the involved candidates to restore order. As the by-election date approaches, the focus will be on the ability of the IEBC and the National Police Service to ensure a peaceful, free, and fair electoral process for the people of Kasipul, setting a crucial precedent for future elections in the country.