NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 19 — The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has slapped Kasipul by-election candidates Boyd Were and Philip Aroko with Ksh1 million fines each following violent clashes reported during recent campaign activities in the constituency.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, November 19, the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee directed both candidates to settle the penalties within 48 hours or face enhanced disciplinary action.
For more election-related updates, visit Sauce.co.ke.
The Commission warned that any repeat of electoral offences witnessed during the Kasipul campaigns would lead to immediate disqualification from the by-election.
“Mr Philip Aroko for the violation is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours… and similarly, Mr Boyd Were is also condemned to pay Ksh1 million within 48 hours,” IEBC stated.
A stern warning followed, with the Commission noting it would consider all penalties under the law, including barring the candidates from the race should further violations occur.
Campaign Schedule and Interference Allegations
Beyond the fines, the Committee ordered all Kasipul by-election candidates to strictly adhere to the harmonised campaign schedule agreed upon in the presence of all aspirants.
IEBC further revealed that it had received intelligence reports suggesting interference from the Homa Bay County Government in the by-election campaigns. The Commission accused Governor Gladys Wanga’s administration of allegedly using public resources to influence the process.
“This committee condemns the use of public resources and involvement of public officers in political campaigns, as this contravenes Section 14 of the Elections Offences Act,” the Commission noted.
Violence That Sparked the Summons
The latest update comes after deadly violence erupted in Opondo area, where two people were killed and property destroyed during clashes between supporters of ODM candidate Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko.
Several others were injured during the confrontation, prompting IEBC to summon the two candidates for a disciplinary session held on Monday, November 17. The meeting addressed complaints linked to the upcoming November 27 by-election.
