The leading contenders in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election, Philip Aroko and Boyd Were, on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, appeared before the IEBC for a ruling by the commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee. The two candidates signed an agreement committing to strictly observe the harmonised campaign schedule. This followed a ruling in which both were fined KSh 1 million each, penalties the IEBC said were necessitated by deadly clashes that have rocked the constituency—violence directly linked to violations of the agreed campaign timetable.
According to the Enforcement Committee, both Aroko, an Independent candidate, and Were, the ODM candidate, repeatedly disregarded the campaign schedule that had been mutually agreed upon in a meeting attended by all aspirants.
The commission stated that the candidates’ failure to follow the timetable created scenarios where rival groups converged at the same venues, sparking confrontations that turned fatal.
IEBC Warns of Possible Disqualification
The committee placed responsibility squarely on the candidates, faulting their lack of discipline and failure to guide their supporters. IEBC condemned the escalating violence and warned that both contenders and their parties risk disqualification if the clashes persist.
The commission further reminded all contenders that adherence to the harmonised schedule is mandatory, noting that any deviation undermines the integrity and fairness of the electoral process. With both Aroko and Were now having signed the commitment to honour the campaign programme, the IEBC expressed hope that tensions will ease and the remainder of the campaign will proceed peacefully. However, the commission stressed that it will continue to closely monitor compliance and take decisive action against any further breaches.
Police Promise Swift Action
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja assured the public that investigations into the recent violence will be carried out swiftly. He pledged that all perpetrators regardless of political affiliation, will face the full force of the law.
