The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has fined Kasipul Constituency MP by-election candidates Philip Aroko and Boyd Were Ksh1 million each for violating the electoral code of conduct.

The two candidates, Aroko running as an independent and Were under the ODM ticket, were ordered to pay the fines within 48 hours.

In a statement, IEBC confirmed the penalties, stating, “Mr. Philip Aroko, for the violation, is hereby condemned to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours of these orders,”

“Boyd Were is condemned similarly for the violation to pay a fine of Ksh1 million to IEBC within 48 hours of these orders,” IEBC added.

The Commission further cautioned that continued breach of the electoral rules could lead to their disqualification from the November 27 by-election.

“A warning is hereby issued to both Candidates that should any violation of the electoral rules be repeated by any of them, this committee will consider all penalties, including their disqualification from participating in the November 27th by-election altogether,” the statement added.

Following the ruling, the candidates addressed the media after appearing before the Commission for a second time to resolve compliance issues.

Philip Aroko expressed his commitment to peaceful campaigns, noting, “This is the second time we are here at the IBC trying to resolve and have things right for the people and the entire country. Today, the ruling was being made this morning by the Commission both parties have made. So the conclusion is already read to you.”

Also Read: ODM Issues Two Demands to IEBC After Violent clashes in Kasipul

Aroko Commits to Peaceful Campaigning

He added that he had signed the Political Decency and Peace Charter, stating, “I just want to commit myself that I have signed the document, Political Decency and Peace Charter for the Political Candidates. I just want to state here that myself, I’ve been a peaceful man since I started this campaign in 2023.”

Aroko reiterated his intention to maintain peace during the campaigns.

“I’ve signed this document, bearing in mind that if I do anything that is opposite, the circumstances that will follow may not be favourable. But I don’t fear, because I know I’ll keep it peaceful as I’ve been always.”

He also urged his supporters to uphold peace, saying, “I therefore also communicate to my supporters and the entire team of my campaign, I will represent them peacefully. That I’ll maintain it peaceful, and adhere to the code of conduct that is already set here.”

Call for Security and Fair Process

Aroko further appealed to the Commission to ensure a peaceful electoral environment.

“That we seek this commission to exhaust anything that will give peace for the people of Kasipul. That I also commit here that the moment the right thing will be done by the commission, by the able commission, the Kasipul people will have their choice, and peace will prevail going forward.”

He reminded the Commission of Kasipul’s history of election-related challenges, stating, “This is a constituency that, as the commissioners have put it, we’ve had serious issues before. We don’t intend to make it further.”

He also requested full security support, adding, “The biggest request for the commission, as they are here, is that let us have the right to have peace. And we seek for security in all polling stations so that people can make their choices.”

Also Read: IEBC Issues Security Update Ahead of By-Election

Boyd Were Accepts Ruling but Seeks Guidance

ODM candidate Boyd Were also reacted to the ruling, saying, “Earlier on Monday, we were summoned by the IBC. We appeared, and now our decision has been made.”

He raised concerns about intelligence reports used in the proceedings, noting, “Although there were initial reports, intelligence reports, that were issued to the committee, which were not served to me personally or to my lawyer in advance, which, if given time, I will have commented on.”

Despite this, he said he respected the Commission’s decision.

“But nevertheless, I respect the decision of the committee, and I’ll seek further guidance on the same.”

Were Urges Peace Ahead of Poll

Were confirmed signing the decency and peace charter, clarifying, “I’ve signed the political decency and peace charter for political candidates, but it doesn’t mean that I’m guilty.”

He encouraged peaceful campaigns, stating, “I want to urge my supporters, I want to urge all candidates in the Kasipur by-elections, all residents of Kasipur, let’s maintain peace. Let’s embrace each other.”

With one week remaining before the by-election, he added, “It’s only one week to the by-elections, so let’s campaign peacefully, let’s maintain peace. At the end of the day, we’ll only have one member of parliament, and at the end of the day, the people of Kasipur will choose their member of parliament.”

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and WhatsApp Community for instant news updates

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon. PHOTO/IEBC.