Violence in Kasipul has pushed the IEBC to summon Boyd Were and Philip Aroko as the parliamentary by-election race grows more dangerous. The Commission made the decision after reports confirmed that clashes between the two rival camps had already led to deaths and several injuries, raising concerns that the situation could worsen before the polls are held.
IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon announced that hearings would start on Monday, November 17, warning that both candidates risk disqualification depending on the findings of the Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee.
He explained that once the violence was reported, an investigations team was quickly sent to the ground, and their report formed the basis for the summons.
The Commission said it would not tolerate actions that threaten the credibility and safety of the election process.
The conflict intensified after a campaign event for Boyd in Opondo, Central Kasipul, was attacked by suspected hired goons.
What began as a peaceful gathering quickly turned chaotic, leaving members of Boyd’s security team badly injured and several residents hurt as well.
Witnesses at the scene said the attackers caused significant damage, destroying property and bringing down equipment including a public address system prepared for the event.
Boyd, who is the eldest son of the late Charles Ong’ondo Were, maintained that the violence was planned by his opponent’s supporters. He added that after disrupting his event in Opondo, the same group moved to Nyalenda, where he had another meeting scheduled.
They allegedly destroyed tents, chairs, and everything else his team had set up for the gathering, further heightening tensions around the campaign.
Aroko dismissed Boyd’s allegations and instead accused Boyd’s security team of causing the trouble witnessed in Central Kasipul.
The two sides have continued blaming each other while denying any responsibility for the clashes that have shocked the constituency.
The IEBC has raised its warnings, insisting that the escalating violence could lead to immediate disqualification not only of the candidates but also of any parties linked to the chaos.
