- Tensions continue to rise in Kasipul days after two youths, believed to be supporters of Philip Aroko, were killed during a campaign clash with Boyd Were’s camp
- DCI officers were seriously injured while arresting five suspects linked to the murders at the late MP Ong’odo Were’s homestead
- More than 100 youths attacked officers during the operation, allowing the suspects to escape, with one fleeing while still in handcuffs
TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
The upcoming Kasipul parliamentary by-election has been overshadowed by a surge in violence.
Source: UGC
Last week, a disagreement between supporters of independent candidate Philip Aroko and those of ODM candidate Boyd Were during a campaign event turned deadly.
The clashes resulted in the deaths of two youths believed to be supporters of Aroko.
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In response to the killings, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched a targeted operation to apprehend those suspected of involvement.
How DCI officers were attacked within Ong’ondo Were’s homestead
Officers traced the suspects to Kosele Trading Centre, but they escaped and took refuge at the late former MP Ong’ondo Were’s homestead in Kachien Village, Central Kasipul Ward.
The move suggested possible support from Boyd’s camp, as the suspects sought cover at his late father’s property.
During the operation, the officers managed to arrest five suspects at the homestead. Among them were individuals identified as Otis Ras and Pharaoh, who were reportedly involved in the earlier killings.
However, as the officers attempted to leave with the suspects, a large crowd of more than 100 youths stormed the compound.
The rowdy crowd attacked the officers with crude weapons in an effort to free the detainees.
How did the Kasipul murder suspects escape?
The confrontation left three DCI officers seriously injured, including Daniel Muhuhi, the officer in charge of Rachuonyo South sub-county.
In the chaos, the suspects managed to escape, with one fleeing while still in handcuffs.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that the injured officers were rushed to Rachuonyo South Sub-County Hospital for treatment.
He added that a manhunt has been launched to recapture the escaped suspects and restore order in the area ahead of the by-election.
Source: Facebook
Who is to blame for the Kasipul by-election violence?
Just hours before the incident, a section of elders from Homa Bay county raised concern over rising violence in the Kasipul parliamentary by-election campaigns.
The group, under the Greater Rachuonyo Forum, accused the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) of being behind the unrest.
They argued that the situation should have been contained since Governor Gladys Wanga, the ODM national chairperson, sits on the county security committee.
They said the ongoing tension mirrored what was seen during ODM’s party nominations.
They further claimed that the violence was spilling over to burials and public gatherings, calling on the IEBC to maintain neutrality.
What did Gladys Wanga say over Kasipul violence?
TUKO.co.ke previously reported that ODM condemned the rising violence in Kasipul ahead of the November 27 by-election.
Wanga expressed concern over repeated attacks targeting campaign events and called for calm among supporters.
She urged the IEBC to ensure a fair process and asked police to arrest those behind the clashes.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
