IEBC Fines Kasipul Candidates Boyd, Aroko Ksh1 Million Amid Risks of Being Disqualified

IEBC Fines Kasipul Candidates Boyd, Aroko Ksh1 Million Amid Risks of Being Disqualified

Kasipul, Kenya – The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined two Kasipul by-election candidates, Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and independent candidate Philip Aroko, Ksh1 million each following violent clashes during campaigns in the constituency.

The Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee announced the penalties on Wednesday, November 19, warning that failure to pay within 48 hours would attract further disciplinary action. The Commission also cautioned that repeat offences could lead to outright disqualification from the upcoming polls.

“Mr Philip Aroko for the violation is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours of these orders, and similarly, Mr Boyd Were is also condemned to pay Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours,” the Committee declared.

“A most stern warning is hereby issued to both candidates that should any violation of the electoral code be repeated by any of them, this committee will consider all penalties under the law, including their disqualification,” the Commission added.

Campaign Schedule Enforcement

Beyond the fines, IEBC directed all candidates in the Kasipul by-election to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule agreed upon earlier in the presence of all aspirants. The Commission emphasized that the schedule was designed to prevent overlapping rallies and reduce tensions among rival supporters.

The enforcement comes after weeks of heightened political activity in the constituency, with candidates employing aggressive strategies to secure voter support ahead of the by-election.

Allegations of County Interference

In its statement, IEBC also revealed that it had received intelligence reports linking the Homa Bay County Government to repeated interference in the Kasipul campaigns. The Commission accused Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration of allegedly misusing public resources to influence political outcomes in the constituency.

“This committee condemns the use of public resources and involvement of public officers in political campaigns, as this is in contravention of Section 14 of the Elections Offences Act,” IEBC affirmed.

The accusation adds a new dimension to the already tense political environment, with questions raised about the role of county officials in electoral processes.

Violence in Opondo

The fines and warnings follow violent clashes in the Opondo area of Kasipul constituency last week, where supporters of Boyd Were and Philip Aroko engaged in running battles. The confrontation left two people dead, several others injured, and property destroyed.

Witnesses reported that the violence erupted after campaign teams from both sides crossed paths, escalating into chaos that required police intervention. The incident has since drawn national attention, with calls for tighter security and stricter enforcement of electoral laws.

Broader Implications

The IEBC’s decision underscores its determination to maintain order and fairness in the Kasipul by-election, scheduled for later this month. Analysts note that the fines serve as a warning to candidates across the country that electoral misconduct will not be tolerated.

The Kasipul contest has become a high-stakes race, with ODM’s Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko emerging as frontrunners. The violence and subsequent penalties have heightened scrutiny on the campaigns, with residents expressing concern about safety and the credibility of the electoral process.

Conclusion

As the by-election approaches, IEBC’s stern action against Boyd Were and Philip Aroko highlights the Commission’s resolve to enforce the electoral code of conduct. With tensions running high and allegations of county interference adding to the mix, the Kasipul race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in Homa Bay County.

The Commission’s warning that repeat offences could lead to disqualification sets the stage for a decisive test of discipline and accountability in Kenya’s electoral landscape.

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IEBC Fines Kasipul Candidates Boyd, Aroko Ksh1 Million Amid Risks of Being Disqualified