Campaigns Launch After Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Clearance
The electoral season in the Kasipul Constituency of Homa Bay County officially got underway yesterday, following the clearance of four parliamentary by-election candidates by the IEBC. The by-election is slated for 27 November 2025, and the clearance marks the formal start of campaign operations in the area.
Campaign rallies, processions and outreach efforts began almost immediately after the clearance exercise, signaling a highly competitive race ahead.
Who is in the Race?
The IEBC cleared the following four candidates to run in the Kasipul by-election:
- Boyd Were (Orange Democratic Movement – ODM)
- Philip Aroko (Independent)
- Sam Rateng (United Progressive Alliance – UPA)
- Collins Okeyo (Maendeleo Democratic Group – MDG)
The fact that processions and campaign boots-on-the-ground began almost immediately suggests the candidates are eager not just to be seen but to stake early ground in voter minds.
Setting the Tone: Early Moves & Campaign Promises
Within hours of getting their nomination certificates, three candidates Were, Aroko and Rateng led processions to the populous Oyugis town, signalling an aggressive start to their campaign trail.
Themes emerging so far
- A promise of peaceful campaigns and adherence to the IEBC code of conduct has been emphasised by the returning officer, Rebecca Abwaku, who reminded contestants of their obligations under electoral law.
- One of the candidates, Sam Rateng, has committed to proposing legislation to harmonise all youth bursary funds under the Ministry of Education a move aimed at ensuring children from poorer backgrounds get better access to education.
- Rateng also alleged an attack on his campaign convoy (three vehicles vandalised), and said he has reported the matter to the police at Oyugis station.
- Boyd Were, backed by senior ODM leadership, has emphasised youth empowerment and pledged diligent service.
- Independent candidate Philip Aroko declared that he is “best placed to address the constituency’s challenges” and warned against external interference in the will of the people.
- Collins Okeyo has publicly expressed optimism that the race will stay peaceful, and pledged to focus on development if elected.
Institutional Oversight & Election Integrity
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has made it clear that the campaign period is structured and regulated. Key points:
- Candidates have been provided with campaign schedules designed to ensure a peaceful process and prevent overlap/conflict between rallies.
- The IEBC has also flagged the importance of neutrality from security forces and electoral officers. As one senior IEBC official put it: impartiality “of the highest degree” is required in the campaign and election period.
- There is a 10-day dispute resolution window for contesting nominations and any other related complaints following the clearance exercise.
These mechanisms are crucial to maintaining trust in the process, especially in by-elections, where local tensions can escalate quickly.
Why This By-Election Matters
As one of six parliamentary by-elections scheduled for 27 November 2025, the outcome in Kasipul will carry both symbolic and practical weight.
- Local development stakes: Kasipul voters are looking for representation that delivers roads, schools, water and jobs. The candidates’ early messaging reflects this education, empowerment and service are front and centre.
- Party dynamics: Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a major party, has staked serious resources behind Boyd Were underlining that the contest is not simply local but is also a barometer of party strength.
- Voter engagement: The fact that processions started immediately after clearance suggests high energy and mobilisation. Local observers will be watching whether this translates into turnout and effective use of resources.
- Precedent setting: If the campaign remains peaceful and orderly, it could provide a model for how by-elections in other constituencies are run. Conversely, flare-ups or irregularities would undermine confidence in smaller polls ahead of the national 2027 elections.
Local Reactions & Community Expectations
Community voices in Oyugis and the broader Kasipul area reflect a mixture of hope, skepticism and demand for accountability. Some key sentiments:
- Many voters say they are weary of “talk and promises only” and want concrete action plans from candidates. The campaigns seem to have picked up on this.
- There is cautious optimism that if the election is peaceful and fair, the winner will have a stronger mandate to advocate for Kasipul in Parliament.
- Some civil society groups have urged candidates and party agents to avoid the kind of ethnic or identity-based campaigning that can fuel division. The IEBC code and oversight mechanisms were highlighted in recent notices.
What to Watch in the Coming Weeks
With just over a month until the by-election, here are key developments to keep an eye on:
- Campaign logistics & schedule compliance Are candidates sticking to the campaign schedules and IEBC rules (times, locations, number of rallies, loudspeakers, etc)?
- Dispute filings Whether any objections arise via the 10-day dispute window, and what impact they might have on candidatures.
- Security & peace incidents Whether more incidents like the reported convoy vandalism occur, or if the environment remains calm. Candidate-staff safety, rally disruptions and intimidation are red flags.
- Voter sentiment & polling Local polling (if available) and community engagement trends are undecided voters turning active? Are independent challengers gaining traction?
- Party strategy and resource deployment Particularly how major parties like ODM mobilize ground operations, engage voters in local languages, leverage grassroots networks, etc.
- Communications & messaging Which themes resonate most effectively (education, youth jobs, infrastructure, health, etc) and whether campaigns maintain consistency or shift direction.
The clearance and official launch of campaigns in the Kasipul by-election mark a vigorous and well-organised start to what promises to be a closely watched race. The four cleared candidates have wasted no time in staking their claims and reaching voters.
If the IEBC, security agencies, candidates and voters all play their part, this by-election could serve as a positive example of efficient, peaceful grassroots democracy. But the stakes are high: missteps or tensions could tarnish not only local credibility but also national confidence in smaller scale elections.
As the race intensifies in the weeks ahead, Kasipul will be a micro-cosm of Kenya’s broader democratic landscape energetic, contested and full of promise for those willing to deliver on their pledges.
