The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued a strong statement addressing the escalating violence in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the November 27 by-election.

In a press release dated November 7, 2027, ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga declared, “The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party strongly condemns the escalating acts of violence witnessed in Kasipul Constituency ahead of the upcoming by-election on the 27th of this month.”

The party expressed deep concern over recent incidents, highlighting a violent disruption of a voter engagement event led by their candidate, Boyd Were.

Wanga noted, “We are deeply disturbed by reports that a peaceful voter engagement by our candidate, Boyd Were, was violently disrupted yesterday by goons associated with one of the candidates. The attacks struck lives and left behind fear and tension among the community; unfortunately, resulting in loss of lives and leaving behind fear and tension among the community. Empowerment Programme in Sikri, several vehicles belonging to supporters of our candidate were vandalised, and the women attending the event were harassed and injured.”

ODM appealed for calm among all stakeholders.

Wanga said, “Appeal to all candidates and our supporters to conduct themselves peacefully and refrain from inflammatory utterances and actions that threaten peace during this campaign period and beyond.”

She reiterated ODM’s commitment to democratic ideals, adding, “ODM remains firmly committed to peaceful campaigns and democratic ideals that respect the will of the people. We call upon our supporters to remain calm, peaceful, and focused on our ideals of unity.”

Calls for security action and fairness

Despite the provocation, ODM has maintained a commitment to peace, with Wanga stating, “Despite intense provocation, our party and candidate have consistently maintained peace and decorum, choosing dialogue over confrontation.”

She further asserted, “We wish to make it clear that ODM will not be intimidated by acts of lawlessness aimed at derailing a free, fair, and peaceful election in Kasipul. The people of Kasipul deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation and coercion.”

The party issued specific calls to action, with Wanga saying, “We call upon security agencies to act swiftly and decisively and bring to book perpetrators and financiers of these acts of violence.” ODM also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure fairness, stating, “We urge the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure a level playing ground for all candidates.”