The Orange Democratic Movement has condemned what it described as an alarming rise in politically motivated violence in Kasipul Constituency, where a by-election is set for November 27.
In a statement issued from its Nairobi headquarters on Thursday, ODM expressed deep concern over a violent disruption of a voter engagement event held by its candidate, Boyd Were.
The party claimed that attackers linked to a rival candidate stormed the venue, destroyed property, and endangered residents.
“This is not an isolated incident,” ODM said, citing a recent attack during a Women Empowerment Programme in Sikri, where several vehicles belonging to its supporters were vandalised and women attendees were harassed and injured.
The party said the unrest has already led to loss of life and warned that rising tension could undermine the credibility of the upcoming poll. ODM National Chairperson Gladys Wanga urged law enforcement agencies to arrest those responsible and to ensure the safety of voters.
“ODM will not be intimidated by acts of lawlessness aimed at derailing a free, fair, and peaceful election in Kasipul,” she said. “The people deserve the right to choose their leader without fear, intimidation, or coercion.”
The party called on the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to guarantee a level playing field for all candidates and appealed to political leaders to avoid inflammatory remarks that could incite further unrest.
Despite the violence, ODM insisted it remains committed to peaceful campaigns and democratic principles. Wanga urged supporters to remain calm and steadfast in their pursuit of unity and democracy.
Kasipul Kabondo seat is a hot contest between Boyd Were, son of the MP who was gunned down, businessmen Philip Aroko, and Money Bior and Collins Okeyo. Camps loyal to the candidates have been accused of mobilizing goons to disrupt the campaign trail.
