The recent parliamentary by-election in Kasipul constituency was severely marred by widespread violence, resulting in the arrest of at least 23 individuals and the impounding of 15 vehicles and two motorbikes, many of which contained crude weapons.
The chaos also left a prominent Member of Parliament and his bodyguard injured, highlighting the volatility of the mini-poll.
The most serious altercation occurred at Agoro Sare Primary School, which serves as a polling center for eight stations. The violence erupted shortly after the arrival of independent candidate Philip Aroko and his convoy.
The calm atmosphere at the school abruptly turned hostile when Aroko’s supporters attacked Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, who was present as the chief agent for ODM candidate Boyd Were.
MP Kaluma was initially greeting Aroko, whose convoy he had momentarily mistaken for that of the ODM candidate. Moments later, Aroko’s supporters turned on Kaluma, assaulting him with kicks and blows despite calls for calm.
In the ensuing scuffle, Kaluma’s bodyguard was injured, and his firearm was snatched by the hostile crowd, though it was later recovered.
Kaluma recounted the events, stating that the attackers fled only after police reinforcement arrived. News of the attack quickly spread, leading to a revenge mission by rival “goons” armed with crude weapons, who were subsequently repulsed by security officers.
Lawrence Koilem, the Police Commander for Homa Bay, confirmed the deployment of police to escort the ODM candidate, Boyd Were, to the polling station to cast his vote, an action taken to avoid any further clashes with the rival team.
The aftermath of the day’s chaos was evident at Oyugis Police Station, where the impounded vehicles bore clear signs of violent confrontation between the rival camps.
Police Commander Koilem and IEBC Returning Officer Rebecca Abwaku both noted that the widespread violence significantly impacted participation, leading to a low voter turnout for the by-election.
The individuals arrested, along with the impounded vehicles and recovered weapons, are now part of the ongoing police investigation as authorities seek to prosecute those responsible for the electoral violence.
Residents of Kasipul are now awaiting the final results from the race, which saw 10 candidates vying for the parliamentary seat.
