The electoral commission has imposed financial penalties and issued strict warnings to two Kasipul by-election candidates after finding them culpable of breaching campaign rules.
In a decision delivered on Wednesday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) confirmed that Boyd Were Ong’ondo and Philip Aroko were responsible for violence reported during recent campaign activities in the constituency.
The committee’s ruling followed a formal appearance by the two candidates on Tuesday, where they responded to charges relating to disruptions and confrontations during the campaign period.
According to the IEBC, an assessment of documents, statements, and presentations made during the hearing established that both individuals violated several sections of the electoral code of conduct. The commission indicated that the breaches fell under Paragraph 6 (q), (b), (c), (e), (i), (k), (m), and (n).
In its statement, which formed the basis of Wednesday’s decision, the committee said it had “keenly listened to the parties” and concluded that the two candidates bore direct responsibility for the incidents witnessed in Kasipul.
The commission directed each candidate to pay a Ksh1 million fine within 48 hours, noting that the penalties were intended to reinforce discipline ahead of the November 2025 poll.
Beyond the fines, the IEBC issued a formal warning requiring both candidates to adhere strictly to the harmonised campaign schedule agreed upon on October 10, 2025.
The commission emphasised that further violations would attract harsher consequences, including possible disqualification from participating in the by-election. The committee stated that, if misconduct recurred, it would “consider all penalties under the law.”
The enforcement action reflects the commission’s broader mandate to safeguard electoral integrity, especially in competitive constituencies where tensions can escalate rapidly.
Similar interventions have been issued in previous by-elections, such as those in Western and Nyanza regions, where the IEBC has stepped in to curb confrontations among rival camps.
Election monitors say consistent enforcement is essential for maintaining public trust in the country’s electoral processes.
Kasipul has historically recorded intense political contests, often drawing significant attention from county and national party structures.
With campaign activities continuing ahead of the November vote, the commission urged all aspirants to prioritise peaceful engagement and respect for the code of conduct.
The IEBC will continue monitoring ongoing activities in the constituency and has signalled that any subsequent violation will trigger immediate legal action. The by-election is expected to proceed under heightened oversight as part of efforts to ensure credibility and security in the electoral environment.