The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has moved to probe the circumstances in which two people were killed in a political campaign in Kasipul ahead of the constituency's by-election.
On Thursday, November 8, a group of suspected goons raided a rally held in Central Kasipul by ODM candidate Boyd Were.
Boyd accused his main competitor, Philip Aroko, of orchestrating the violence that culminated in the deaths of the two men.
Aroko returned the blame to Boyd, accusing his team of using violence to intimidate his camp.
The IEBC, while condemning the violent display, stated that it had sent its team of investigators to probe the happenings.
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The elections management body warned candidates that such acts would lead to penalties against them, including disqualification from the race.
"Non-adherence to the code attracts serious penal consequences, including disqualification of candidates or parties found culpable. In this regard, the commission has dispatched an investigation team with clear instructions to establish the facts and recommend appropriate action in line with the Electoral Code of Conduct, which must be met with a firm and lawful response," said IEBC chairman Erastus Ethekon.
At the same time, the IEBC called for reinforcement from the police to help investigate the matter and bring to book the perpetrators.
The commission consoled the bereaved families.
"As we mourn and condole with the affected families, we urge security agencies to move with speed to investigate these heinous acts and bring the perpetrators to justice. Violence has no place in a democracy and must be met with a firm and lawful response," the IEBC said.
"The commission reaffirms its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring that every Kenyan exercises their democratic right in an environment free from fear, violence, intimidation, or coercion. We call upon all stakeholders, political leaders, candidates, and citizens to exercise restraint, demonstrate respect for the law and put the interest of the nation above all else," it added.
Kasipul is among the six constituencies awaiting MP by-elections on November 27.
The seat fell vacant following the death of MP Ong'ondo Were, who was killed by gunmen on April 30.
The MP was headed to his Nairobi home when the assassins attacked him on Ngong Road.
