IEBC Restricts Candidate Access After Kaluma's Attack in Kasipul

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission has barred candidates and their supporters from entering polling stations in Kasipul after violence disrupted the by-election.

Returning officer Rebecca Abwakhu issued the order to prevent further confrontations and ensure that security operations remain under police control. The directive follows an incident at Agoro Sare polling station, where Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was assaulted and his bodyguard’s pistol taken during the chaos. 

Kaluma, who was acting as an agent for ODM candidate Boyd Were, claimed the attack was carried out by youths linked to independent candidate Philip Aroko and alleged that some had been mobilised from outside the constituency. Police commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that investigations are underway and said Kaluma had recorded a statement at Oyugis police station. 

He stressed that only police officers are authorised to provide security at polling centres and warned residents against lingering near stations under the guise of protecting their votes, noting that such gatherings increase tension. Witnesses reported that the confrontation began when Aroko visited Agoro Sare to check on the voting process after casting his ballot at Kachieng Primary School. 

Youths confronted Kaluma, accusing him of interfering in a constituency where he is not registered as a voter. He was struck on the back of the head and later taken to hospital.

The by-election has been overshadowed by previous violence. Last week, both Aroko and Were were fined one million shillings each by the electoral commission for allegedly enabling clashes during the campaign period, incidents that resulted in the deaths of two young men. Their rivalry has intensified as they remain the leading contenders.