The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised alarm over rising violence in Kasipul Constituency, warning that ongoing attacks could disrupt democracy and threaten the safety of residents ahead of the November 27 by-election.
ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga expressed deep concern after a party event featuring their candidate, Boyd Were, was reportedly disrupted by armed assailants linked to a rival faction.
“What was meant to be a peaceful gathering of residents ended in fear and loss,” Wanga said in a statement on Friday.
“The attackers stormed the venue, destroyed property, and endangered the safety of residents, unfortunately resulting in loss of lives and leaving behind fear and tension among the community.”
The violent clash has left Kasipul residents anxious, with many calling for stronger security measures as campaigns enter their final phase.
ODM described the incident as part of a growing pattern of politically motivated violence in the area.
“During the recent Women Empowerment Programme in Sikri, several vehicles belonging to supporters of our candidate were vandalized, and the women attending the event were harassed and injured,” the party said.
Despite these attacks, Wanga praised her party’s supporters and candidate for remaining calm and focusing on issue-based campaigns.
“Our party and candidate have consistently maintained peace and decorum, choosing dialogue over confrontation,” she said. “ODM will not be intimidated by acts of lawlessness aimed at derailing a free, fair, and peaceful election in Kasipul.”
She urged security agencies to take swift action against the perpetrators and those funding the attacks.
“We call upon security agencies to act swiftly and decisively and bring to book the perpetrators and financiers of these acts of violence,” Wanga added.
The ODM leader also appealed to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and political leaders to ensure fairness and calm.
“The people of Kasipul deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation, or coercion,” she said, emphasizing that residents should remain peaceful.
“ODM remains firmly committed to peaceful campaigns and democratic ideals that respect the will of the people,” Wanga continued, urging supporters to “stay focused on unity and democracy even in the face of provocation.”
The Kasipul parliamentary seat is among 23 constituencies scheduled for by-elections on November 27, 2025, following the assassination of the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were on April 30, 2025, in Nairobi.
According to IEBC, campaigns for the by-elections officially started on October 8, 2025, and will run until November 24, 2025. Candidate registration was held on October 8 and 9.
