In a decisive move to curb electoral violence, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has levied substantial fines against two candidates vying for the Kasipul parliamentary seat. The commission’s Disciplinary Committee has ordered independent candidate Philip Aroko and Boyd Were of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to each pay a penalty of Sh1 million for their role in instigating violent confrontations that have marred the campaign period.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday by the committee’s chairperson, Alutalala Mukhwana, followed thorough investigations into the recent unrest in Kasipul. This violence tragically resulted in the loss of lives and significant destruction of property. Mukhwana stated that the evidence, comprising both oral and written submissions, conclusively proved that the two aspirants were in clear violation of multiple clauses of the Electoral Code of Conduct.
The core of the committee’s finding pinpointed the candidates’ deliberate disregard for a harmonised campaign schedule. This schedule was officially issued by the IEBC and had been mutually agreed upon by all aspirants in a meeting held on October 10, 2025. Mukhwana emphasized that it was this “blatant disrespect” for the agreed-upon timetable that directly provoked the clashes, leading to the death of innocent citizens.
“For these violations, Philip Aroko is hereby ordered to pay a fine of Sh1 million to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission within 48 hours. Boyd Were shall equally pay Sh1 million within the same period,” Mukhwana declared. He issued a stern warning that any further breach of the code would attract the full force of the law, including the potential for disqualification from the upcoming November 27 by-election.
Beyond the financial penalty, the committee has mandated both Aroko and Were to immediately and publicly sign the Political Decency Charter in the presence of the Commission and the media. This measure is intended to force a public commitment to peace and tolerance. The candidates were also urged to take personal responsibility for the conduct of their supporters, with the IEBC vowing a zero-tolerance policy towards any further acts of violence as the election day approaches.
