In a move aimed at restoring calm in Kasipul, parliamentary by-election frontrunners Philip Aroko and Boyd Were have signed a commitment to strictly follow a harmonised campaign schedule.
The agreement comes after each was fined Sh1 million by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over violent incidents linked to breaches of the agreed timetable.
The commission said the fines, payable within 48 hours, were necessary to curb the escalating violence that has disrupted political activities in the constituency.
IEBC’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee noted that the two candidates ignored the schedule previously agreed upon in a meeting with all contestants, resulting in rival groups clashing at campaign events.
“The failure by the candidates to guide their supporters has heightened tensions instead of promoting peaceful political engagement,” the committee said.
IEBC warned that continued disregard for the schedule could lead to disqualification, a step that could further complicate the by-election triggered by the murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
The violence escalated after two people were killed and several injured in confrontations between supporters.
Trouble began when suspected goons disrupted Were’s rally in Opondo, Central Kasipul, leaving his security team and residents seriously hurt. Were described the attack as a disruption by “hired goons sent by his rival,” while Aroko’s camp denied any involvement, with both sides blaming each other.
IEBC condemned the clashes and reiterated that any candidate or party found violating the code of conduct would face strict consequences. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone involved, regardless of political affiliation, would be held accountable.
With both candidates now committed to following the harmonised schedule, IEBC hopes the remainder of the campaign will proceed peacefully. The commission said it will continue to monitor activities closely and take firm action against any future breaches.
Kasipul by-election candidates sign pledge to curb violence
In a move aimed at restoring calm in Kasipul, parliamentary by-election frontrunners Philip Aroko and Boyd Were have signed a commitment to strictly follow a harmonised campaign schedule. The agreement comes after each was fined Sh1 million by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over violent incidents linked to breaches of the agreed timetable.
The commission said the fines, payable within 48 hours, were necessary to curb the escalating violence that has disrupted political activities in the constituency. IEBC’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee noted that the two candidates ignored the schedule previously agreed upon in a meeting with all contestants, resulting in rival groups clashing at campaign events.
“The failure by the candidates to guide their supporters has heightened tensions instead of promoting peaceful political engagement,” the committee said. IEBC warned that continued disregard for the schedule could lead to disqualification, a step that could further complicate the by-election triggered by the murder of MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.
The violence escalated after two people were killed and several injured in confrontations between supporters. Trouble began when suspected goons disrupted Were’s rally in Opondo, Central Kasipul, leaving his security team and residents seriously hurt.
Were described the attack as a disruption by “hired goons sent by his rival,” while Aroko’s camp denied any involvement, with both sides blaming each other.
IEBC condemned the clashes and reiterated that any candidate or party found violating the code of conduct would face strict consequences. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that investigations would be thorough and that anyone involved, regardless of political affiliation, would be held accountable.
With both candidates now committed to following the harmonised schedule, IEBC hopes the remainder of the campaign will proceed peacefully. The commission said it will continue to monitor activities closely and take firm action against any future breaches.
