Leaders unite in call for peaceful campaigns in Kasipul constituency

ODM party chairperson Gladys Wanga during a campaign in Homa Bay /Faith Matete

Leaders from across Homa Bay county have joined hands in urging for peace and restraint ahead of the Kasipul constituency by-election following a deadly clash that left two young men dead in Opondo village, Central Kasipul.

The incident, which involved supporters of ODM candidate Boyd Were and independent aspirant Philip Aroko, has raised alarm over rising political intolerance in the area.

Religious leaders, elected officials and government representatives are now calling for calm, saying no political seat is worth the loss of life.

Homa Bay Interfaith Council chairperson Bishop Abrahams Odongo condemned the increasing trend of politicians using young people to instigate violence, saying it was causing unnecessary suffering to families.

“We don’t want women to become widows or children to be orphaned because of politics. Only one person will be elected MP for Kasipul. Let us respect human life,” Odongo said after meeting county commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi.

The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Secretary, Abdul Masud, echoed the call for peace, emphasising that residents can only make informed political choices in a calm environment.

“Elections should be about ideas, not confrontation. Let’s allow the people of Kasipul to choose their leader peacefully,” Masud said.

Mwiwawi assured residents that investigations into the killings were progressing well and promised justice for the victims.

“Our investigations are at an advanced stage, and those responsible will be arrested and charged. We must not allow politics to erode our humanity,” he said.

Senator Moses Kajwang’ also condemned recent acts of vandalism targeting vehicles and health facilities, warning that political contests must not divide communities.

“We must say enough is enough. No more blood should be shed over politics. Our people must remain united and dignified in their political pursuits,” Kajwang’ said.

Governor Gladys Wanga described the incident as regrettable, urging candidates to conduct peaceful campaigns and their supporters to shun provocation.

“There is no day that violence will ever bring voters. I urge all supporters, especially those from ODM, to maintain peace and hold rallies without confrontation,” she said.

Adding his voice, Interior PS Raymond Omollo warned that the government would not tolerate lawlessness during campaigns.

During a women’s fundraiser in Ugunja, Siaya county, Omollo said the Kasipul violence should serve as a lesson in restraint and responsible leadership.

“Let us have peaceful campaigns and elections. What happened in Kasipul should never be repeated. Let’s seek votes in peace,” he said.

Omollo commended Ugunja residents for embracing development-based politics and urged other regions to emulate their example.

“I’m happy with what I’ve seen in Ugunja—politics of development, not destruction. That’s the kind of politics Kenya needs,” he noted.

The PS cautioned individuals planning to disrupt peace, saying security agencies were fully prepared to act swiftly.

“There’s no point in leading people who are maimed or killed. Those planning chaos should know our officers are ready,” he warned.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining peace before, during and after the polls, urging leaders and residents alike to reject divisive politics.

The unity of voices from the church to the state signals growing concern over political intolerance as Kasipul heads to the polls, with leaders insisting that peace must take precedence over political ambition.

The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the murder of MP Ong’ondo Were, who was shot in Nairobi in April by unknown individuals.