By The Weekly Vision Reporter
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined two candidates in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election KSh 1 million each over violence that erupted during the campaign period in the constituency, resulting in the deaths of two people.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, the chairperson of the Commission’s Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee, Alutalala Mukhwana, stated that the fines must be paid within 24 hours.
“Mr Philip Aroko is hereby condemned, for the violation committed, to pay a fine of KSh 1 million to the IEBC within 48 hours of this order, and similarly, Mr Boyd Were is condemned to pay a fine of KSh 1 million to the IEBC within 48 hours of this order,” he declared.
The two candidates have repeatedly accused each other of orchestrating the violence and stoking tensions in the area, despite prior warnings from the IEBC that they risked disqualification from the by-election scheduled for 27 November. Following a hearing on Monday, the committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring a level playing field for all candidates, emphasising that campaigning must proceed free from fear or intimidation.
It directed all candidates contesting the Kasipul seat to comply strictly with the harmonised campaign schedule that was agreed upon in the presence of all parties. The committee warned that any further clashes stemming from non-adherence to the timetable would prompt it to invoke its powers under paragraph 7 of the Second Schedule to the Elections Act.
On Wednesday, Mukhwana issued a final stern warning: “The strongest possible warning is hereby given to both candidates that, should any further violation of the Electoral Code of Conduct occur, this committee will not hesitate to impose the full range of penalties provided by law, including disqualification from the contest.”The by-election was triggered by the May assassination of Charles Ong’ondo Were, father of candidate Boyd Were, who was shot by gunmen on a motorbike at the City Mortuary roundabout in Nairobi. Philip Aroko was among those initially arrested in connection with the murder but was later released due to insufficient evidence. Four other suspects are currently facing murder charges over the incident.
