Tension has gripped Kasipul Constituency after two people were killed and several others injured when suspected goons attacked a political rally for Kasipul MP aspirant Boyd Were at Opondo area, Central Kasipul Ward, on Thursday, November 6.
According to eyewitnesses, the peaceful engagement turned violent after armed men allegedly linked to Were’s rival, Philip Aroko, stormed the event, triggering chaos and sporadic gunfire. The rally was part of Were’s campaign trail ahead of the November 27 by-election to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant by the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot dead in March.
In a somber statement on Friday, Were condemned the violence and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
“I come before you today with a heavy heart following the unfortunate incident that occurred during my recent function at Opondo. What was meant to unite us in peace was disrupted by Philip Aroko and his team. In the confusion that followed, we lost two innocent lives,” he said.
Were described the attack as an attempt to destabilize his campaign and spread fear among voters. He further alleged that the attackers later proceeded to Nyalenda—where he was scheduled to meet more residents—and vandalized tents, chairs, and other campaign equipment.
“I do not condone violence in any form. My leadership is anchored on peace, respect, and service to all. The violence we witnessed in Kasipul does not represent who we are as a people,” Were added, urging calm and restraint among his supporters.
However, Aroko dismissed the accusations, instead blaming Were’s team for orchestrating the chaos.
“The violence meant to spread fear among our people will not succeed. We refuse to be broken by hatred or intimidation,” Aroko stated in a counter-accusation.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party, under whose ticket both candidates are contesting, has condemned the incident and called on police to move swiftly and apprehend the perpetrators. The party also urged the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to guarantee a peaceful and fair by-election process.
The killings have renewed concerns over rising political tensions in Homa Bay County ahead of the polls. Residents have appealed for enhanced security deployment to prevent further bloodshed.
As the Kasipul race intensifies, the constituency—still mourning the tragic loss of its former MP—is once again facing the grim shadow of political violence.
“Let us honor the memories of those we have lost by building a community rooted in love, respect, and understanding,” Were concluded.
The two aspirants, Boyd Were and Philip Aroko, are expected to square off in what is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested by-elections in Nyanza this year.
Background:
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the death of Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was fatally shot along Ngong Road in March 2025. An autopsy conducted by Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor revealed that the legislator was shot five times from the left side of his body.
Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on Thursday’s deadly incident, though investigations are underway.
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