Tension gripped parts of Kasipul on Thursday afternoon after gunshots were heard during an attack on the campaign team of Boyd Were, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) parliamentary candidate for the area.
According to reports, the chaos broke out in Opondo, Central Kasipul, when suspected hired goons invaded a peaceful campaign rally organised by Boyd Were.
The violent confrontation left several people injured, including members of Were’s security detail who sustained serious injuries, while other locals were caught in the melee.
Boyd Were, who is the eldest son of the late Ong’ondo Were, confirmed the attack, describing it as a well-planned assault meant to disrupt his campaign activities.
He claimed that the goons had been sent by his political rivals to intimidate his supporters and destabilize his campaign.
“The event had started peacefully. People were gathered to listen to our plans for Kasipul. But within minutes, a group of armed men arrived in vehicles, stormed the venue, and started attacking us without any reason. Suddenly, gunshots were heard, and everyone began running for safety,” Boyd narrated.
Eyewitnesses at the scene said the attackers went on a rampage, damaging property and destroying the campaign’s public address system.
The violence reportedly spread beyond Opondo as the same group allegedly followed Boyd’s team to Nyalenda, where he was expected to address another meeting with local residents.
In Nyalenda, the situation worsened. The goons allegedly set up fires, burning two motorcycles and vandalising tents and chairs that had been arranged for the event. Residents were forced to flee for their safety as the area turned chaotic.
“Later that evening, one of my closest associates, Jim, was attacked on his way home. He was assaulted by men he knows personally and suffered a deep cut on his forehead after being struck with a machete,” Boyd said, calling for urgent police intervention and protection for candidates and their teams.
Philip Aroko Responds to the Allegations
However, Boyd’s rival, Philip Aroko, issued a strong rebuttal, accusing Boyd’s security team of being responsible for the violence that rocked Central Kasipul.
Aroko claimed that the clash was not an external attack but an internal conflict triggered by Boyd’s own supporters.
According to Aroko, one local resident allegedly lost their life during the confrontation, while several others were left with severe injuries.
He blamed Boyd’s team for escalating tensions and creating unnecessary hostility among residents ahead of the by-election.
“This nonsense of killing our people in the name of politics must stop,” Aroko said. “We are all leaders and must value the lives of our constituents. You cannot harm my people and expect to get away with it.”
Aroko further appealed to both candidates and their supporters to maintain peace and decorum during the campaign period.
He urged the authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and ensure that those responsible for the violence face justice.
As investigations continue, residents of Kasipul remain on edge, calling for increased security presence in the region to prevent a repeat of such violent scenes.
The attack has sparked fear among locals, with many expressing concern that the rising political tensions could lead to more unrest as the by-election draws closer.
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