IEBC Fines Kasipul By-Election Candidates Ksh1 Million Each Over Violence
IEBC has fined two Kasipul Constituency by-election candidates Ksh1 million each after violent confrontations between their supporters left two people dead and others injured.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission announced the penalties on Wednesday, 19 November, through its Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee led by Commissioner Alutalala Mukhwana. ODM candidate Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko were ordered to pay the fines within 48 hours, with the Committee warning that failure to comply could result in further sanctions, including possible disqualification from the 27 November poll.
Commissioner Mukhwana said the penalties were intended to enforce strict adherence to the electoral code and cautioned both candidates that any repeat violations could attract the full range of legal consequences. The fines followed clashes in the Opondo area of Kasipul, where rival supporters engaged in violence that caused deaths, injuries, and destruction of property. The severity of the incident prompted the Commission to summon both candidates to a disciplinary hearing earlier in the week.
The Commission also directed all candidates in the race to follow the harmonised campaign schedule agreed upon by the participants, noting that compliance is essential to prevent further disorder and maintain fairness in the electoral process.
In addition, the Committee raised concerns about external interference, citing intelligence reports linking the Homa Bay County Government to ongoing involvement in the Kasipul campaigns.
Officials in Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration were accused of using public resources to influence political activities, which the Commission said contravenes Section 14 of the Elections Offences Act. The Committee reiterated that public resources and public officers must not be used in political campaigns.
