By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 27 November 2025 - Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma was injured on Thursday after violence broke out in Kasipul Constituency as residents voted in a tense by-election.
Kaluma, who was serving as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party’s chief agent, said he was attacked while moving between polling stations to monitor the voting process. He sustained a soft-tissue injury to the head and was treated shortly afterwards.
According to the MP, the assault was carried out by individuals he claimed were linked to independent candidate Philip Aroko, claims Dawan Africa could not independently verify.
“I was performing my duties as an agent when I was assaulted,” he said after receiving medical attention.
“Aroko is losing, and that is why his people are attacking me. We will not respond because that is what they want. I urge our supporters to stay calm and avoid any form of retaliation.”
During the scuffle, a firearm belonging to Kaluma’s bodyguard went missing, prompting an immediate security operation to recover it.
The Kasipul by-election is being held to fill the parliamentary seat left vacant after the fatal shooting of former MP Ongondo Were in Nairobi earlier this year. The campaign period has been marked by tension, with at least two deaths reported in recent weeks.
ODM candidate Boyd Were condemned the attack, saying the violence threatened the credibility of the poll.
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After casting his vote at Agoro Sare Primary School, he called on security agencies to take firm action.
“We are asking the police to arrest those behind these violent acts. The people of Kasipul deserve a peaceful election. Anyone trying to disrupt the process must be held responsible,” he said.
Security was tight across the constituency, with officers mounting roadblocks, screening voters at polling centres, and patrolling identified hotspots.
Despite this, residents expressed concern about their safety, and some reported delays caused by the heavy security checks.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) assured the public that adequate measures were in place to ensure a transparent and peaceful voting process, urging residents to turn out without fear.
Authorities have launched investigations into the attack on MP Kaluma and the disappearance of the officer’s firearm.
Homa Bay MP Peter Kaluma Injured During Violent Kasipul By-Election Clash
MP Kaluma Attacked, Bodyguard’s Firearm Stolen Amid Rising Tensions
