IEBC Threatens To Disqualify Kasipul Candidates After Political Violence

IEBC Threatens To Disqualify Kasipul Candidates After Political Violence

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has issued a statement following the violence that occurred during the Kasipul parliamentary campaigns, which killed two people.

The IEBC released a statement on Friday, November 7, warning of the potential disqualification of candidates and political parties, and urged all parties involved in the electoral process to follow the Electoral Code of Conduct.

In denouncing the incident, the IEBC stated that it has deployed an investigation team to the scene to investigate the circumstances that led to the violence.

Acts of violence erupted between supporters of Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) candidate Boyd Were and his independent opponent, Philip Aroko.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Nairobi, Kenya – 7th November 2025

SUBJECT: VIOLENCE IN KASIPUL CONSTITUENCY pic.twitter.com/rqlVKCKmpI
— IEBC (@IEBCKenya) November 7, 2025

According to the IEBC, the investigative team will suggest the appropriate level of punishment in accordance with the Electoral Code of Conduct following the investigations, with disqualification being a likely conclusion.

“The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) is deeply saddened and dismayed by the incidents of political violence reported in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-elections scheduled for 27th November 2025,” noted the Commission.

Adding: “The Commission wishes to remind political parties, their members, candidates, and all persons involved in the electoral process that they must all strictly observe the Electoral Code of Conduct.

“Non-adherence to the Code attracts serious penal consequences, including disqualification of candidates or parties found culpable.”

Boyd was attacked during the violence that occurred on Thursday, November 6, when alleged hired goons disrupted his campaign event.

The event occurred in Opondo, Central Kasipul, and left Were’s security personnel critically injured. Several other residents were also hurt in the ensuing turmoil.

Boyd, the eldest son of the late former Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were, confirmed the events and stated that it began quietly.

However, the situation became chaotic when the alleged hired goons, who he believed were recruited by his opponent Aroko, began attacking bystanders.

“Within minutes, they stormed the venue, alighted from their vehicles, and directed unprovoked attacks toward us. Sadly, gunshots were heard, disrupting the peace that had initially prevailed,” Boyd narrated.

Witnesses stated that the attackers destroyed people’s property, including a public address system set up for use by Boyd and his campaign crew.

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In response to the claims, Aroko issued a counter-accusation, accusing Boyd’s security team of instigating the violence in Central Kasipul.

According to Aroko, one citizen was purportedly slain during the scuffles, while several others had critical injuries, with the latter blaming the tragedy on Boyd’s campaign crew.

The police have yet to make an official remark on the matter, but the IEBC has encouraged security services to conduct prompt investigations.

IEBC Threatens To Disqualify Kasipul Candidates After Political Violence