IEBC issues strict directives to Kasipul candidates after violent campaigns
By Kenneth Mwenda, November 17, 2025The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has ordered all candidates in the Kasipul Constituency by-election to follow the agreed campaign schedule, warning that any breaches could lead to sanctions.
The Commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee (ECCEC) met on Monday, November 17, 2025, to hear four complaints linked to the upcoming by-election.
The committee acknowledged the recent violence in the constituency and emphasised the need for a level playing field where candidates can campaign without fear or intimidation.
“Cognizant of the much-reported violence associated with campaigns within the Constituency, the Committee is keen on ensuring all the candidates participating in the by-election a level playing field and that the candidates can campaign without fear and intimidation,” the commission posted on their X account.
In its ruling, the committee stated that all candidates must adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule agreed upon in the presence of all aspirants. It further warned that any reported clashes arising from failure to follow the schedule would trigger the committee’s powers under paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, Cap 7. The detailed reasoned decision will be delivered on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.
“In the premise, the Committee made the following orders: a. That all the candidates for the Kasipul Constituency by-election should abide by the harmonized campaign schedule which was agreed upon in the presence of all candidates.”
“b. That should there be reported clashes arising from failure to adhere to the harmonized campaign schedule, this Committee will exercise its powers as provided under paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule of the Elections Act, Cap 7. c. The reasoned decision in the matters will be delivered tomorrow, Tuesday, November 18, 2025.”
Kasipul violence sparks crackdown
The ruling follows a series of violent incidents in Kasipul, where two people lost their lives.
The violence escalated when three Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers were attacked by a mob of more than 100 youths while attempting to arrest persons of interest at the home of former Kasipul MP Ong’odo Were in Kachien Village. One escaped while handcuffed.
IEBC chairperson Erastus Ethekon condemned the violence, describing it as senseless and emphasising that those found in breach of the Electoral Code of Conduct could face sanctions, including disqualification. He said the commission had dispatched a team to investigate and would summon candidates or witnesses with information on the clashes.
Police have launched a manhunt for the people involved in the killings and the assault on officers. Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem pledged to pursue all those responsible.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja said security measures have been increased in Kasipul and other areas holding by-elections. He urged candidates to campaign peacefully and warned that anyone involved in criminal acts would face legal action.
The Kasipul by-election, scheduled for 27 November, follows the April murder of MP Ong’odo Were. The IEBC has repeatedly stressed that campaigns must remain free, fair, and transparent, and that violence will not be tolerated.