ODM emphasised that despite repeated provocations, both the party and its candidate have consistently maintained peace, prioritising dialogue over confrontation.
At least two people were killed Thursday evening in clashes between supporters of two Kasipul parliamentary by-election candidates during a political rally in Opondo area, Central Kasipul Ward, Homa Bay County.
Several others sustained injuries as gunshots were reported during the confrontations, police said.
Authorities said they are seeking to speak with a licensed gun holder who reportedly fired shots into the air twice amid the chaos that left many people injured. Police said he is part of the ongoing investigation into the incident.
The confrontation occurred when supporters of an independent candidate and ODM’s Boyd Were engaged in violent skirmishes.
County Police Commander Lawrance Koilem said the unrest followed an incident at Were’s campaign venue that led to panic and clashes.
“As Were went to report the incident at Oyugis Police Station, his supporters reacted, which resulted in the tragic death of two youths,” Koilem said.
The two deceased, both aged 26 and supporters of Aroko, were identified as Ben Ondiege and Bruno Onyango, both of whom sustained deep cuts to the head. The clashes also left nearly a dozen people injured.
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the murder of late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, who was shot in Nairobi in April 2025 by unknown individuals.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has strongly condemned the act ahead of the by-election scheduled for November 27.
In a press statement released on Thursday, the party expressed deep concern over reports that a peaceful voter engagement by its candidate, Hon. Boyd Were, was violently disrupted.
The incident reportedly involved attackers linked to one of the other candidates who stormed the venue, destroyed property, and endangered the safety of residents.
“We wish to make it clear that ODM will not be intimidated by acts of lawlessness aimed at derailing a free, fair, and peaceful election in Kasipul. The people of Kasipul deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation and coercion,” the statement read.
ODM noted that the violence has already resulted in loss of lives and created fear and tension within the community.
“This is not an isolated incident. During the recent Women Empowerment Programme in Sikri, several vehicles belonging to supporters of our candidate were vandalised, and the women attending the event were harassed and injured,” the party said in the statement.
The party has called on security agencies to act swiftly and decisively to apprehend the perpetrators and financiers of the violent acts.
