Gunshots as ODM Candidate Boyd Were’s Campaign Rally Turns Chaotic in Kasipul
Tension gripped Kasipul on Thursday after a campaign rally for ODM parliamentary candidate Boyd Were descended into chaos, leaving multiple people injured and property destroyed.
The attack unfolded in Opondo, Central Kasipul, when suspected hired goons stormed Were’s event in broad daylight. According to witnesses, the violence erupted suddenly, forcing residents to flee as gunshots rang out and vehicles sped away.
Were, the eldest son of the late legislator Ong’ondo Were, said his campaign had started peacefully before the attackers disrupted the event. “Within minutes, they stormed the venue, alighted from their vehicles, and directed unprovoked attacks toward us. Sadly, gunshots were heard, disrupting the peace that had initially prevailed,” he told reporters.
Several members of his security detail sustained serious injuries, while others were caught in the melee. Witnesses added that the attackers vandalised campaign equipment, including a public address system, before moving to Nyalenda — where another of Were’s rallies was scheduled.
In Nyalenda, tents, chairs, and two motorcycles were set ablaze, leaving residents scrambling for safety. “Later in the evening, my close associate and team member, Jim, was attacked on his way home. He sustained a deep cut on his forehead after being assaulted with a machete,” Were added.
However, Were’s main rival, Philip Aroko, disputed the claims, accusing Were’s own security team of instigating the violence. Aroko alleged that one resident was killed and several others injured during the clashes.
“This nonsense of killing constituents must stop in this by-election. You cannot kill my people and get away with it,” Aroko said, urging calm among voters ahead of the upcoming by-election.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the incident, but the violence has heightened political tension in Kasipul as campaigns intensify.
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Gunshots as ODM Candidate Boyd Were’s Campaign Rally Turns Chaotic in Kasipul