IEBC flags Homa Bay officials in Kasipul clashes probe

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has placed the Homa Bay County Government at the centre of alleged interference in political activities within Kasipul Constituency.

According to the Commission, preliminary investigation reports point to the use of public resources and the involvement of county officials in active political mobilisation, actions that contravene electoral laws.

In a strongly worded statement Wednesday, IEBC Electoral Conduct Enforcement Committee chairperson Alutalala Mukhwana said the committee was “seized of intelligence reports corroborating allegations of interference by the Homa Bay County Government in political activities within Kasipul Constituency.”

Mukhwana stressed that such conduct is unlawful and must stop immediately, warning that the Commission will not hesitate to take further action should the interference persist.

“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, Cap 66, and has to stop,” he said.

The revelations emerged as the committee concluded its investigation into recent violence that rocked the constituency, resulting in two deaths, several injuries, and significant destruction of property.

The upheaval occurred amid heightened rivalry between independent candidate Philip Aroko and ODM candidate Boyd Were, both of whom have since been fined Sh1 million each for violating the Electoral Code of Conduct.

According to the IEBC, both candidates filed complaints with the police, each reporting the other for alleged provocation and incitement.

“In the investigation report, it was revealed that the two candidates reported to the police on different OB numbers. So each one obtained an OB against the other,” Mukhwana noted.

A police report tabled before the committee confirmed that the clashes left two people dead, while several others sustained injuries during the confrontation.

Property of unknown value was also destroyed.

The committee said both the police reports and eyewitness accounts pointed to clear instances of violence directly attributable to the actions and conduct of the two candidates and their supporters.

“The committee is appalled by the gravity of violence, deaths and damage to property caused by campaign-related activities within Kasipul Constituency,” Mukhwana said, stressing that the Commission will not tolerate further breaches as the November 27 by-election approaches.

IEBC also vowed to intensify monitoring of political activities in Homa Bay County.

The committee also reiterated its earlier directives requiring both candidates to adhere strictly to the harmonised campaign schedule, sign the Political Decency Charter, and publicly declare their commitment to peaceful campaigns.

Mukhwana warned that continued violations could lead to the disqualification of involved candidates, adding that the integrity and safety of the electoral process remained the Commission’s top priority.