The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has summoned Boyd Were and Philip Aroko, the two leading contenders in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, as tensions and violence threaten to overshadow the polls.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon said the hearings will begin on Monday, November 17, warning that the outcome could lead to the disqualification of the candidates.
“We are aware of the incidences of violence in Kasipul. Immediately we heard of the incidents, we dispatched our investigations team to the ground, they conducted investigations, and now we have the final report,” Ethekon said.
“We have empaneled the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, which will commence its work on Monday, to summon those candidates in Kasipul,” he added.
The summons follows violent clashes that left two people dead and several others injured.
Both candidates have accused each other of orchestrating the attacks, with neither side taking responsibility for the unrest.
The violence reportedly erupted after suspected assailants attacked a campaign event organized by Boyd in Opondo, Central Kasipul.
The attack left his security personnel critically injured and several residents hurt in the chaos.
Boyd, the eldest son of the late Charles Ong’ondo Were, said the gathering had begun peacefully but descended into turmoil when the suspected hired goons, whom he alleged were sent by his rival, attacked people.
Witnesses said the assailants also destroyed campaign property, including a public address system set up for Boyd’s event.
Boyd added that the same group later moved to Nyalenda, where he was scheduled to meet more voters, destroying tents, chairs, and other equipment prepared for the meeting.
Responding to the accusations, Aroko blamed Boyd’s security team for the violence in Central Kasipul, launching a counter-claim that it was orchestrated by his opponent’s side.
The recent incidents come after IEBC warned that candidates and political parties could face disqualification if the violence continued, which has already resulted in the death of two people.
Such disqualifications could disrupt the by-election, which became necessary after the murder of Were in broad daylight by armed attackers.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured that the police would conduct swift investigations into the violence ahead of the elections scheduled for November 27.
