Violence erupted during the Kasipul Constituency by-election on Thursday, resulting in injuries to Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament, Peter Kaluma, and the reported loss of his bodyguard’s official firearm.

MP Kaluma, who was serving as an agent for the ODM Party in the by-election, sustained head injuries after allegedly being assaulted by “goons” at Agoro Sare Primary School while inspecting the voting process.

“We have been attacked by our opponents… My bodyguard has lost his gun in the incident,” Kaluma told reporters shortly after the attack. He accused independent candidate Philip Aroko of orchestrating the violence. Videos circulating online showed rowdy youths confronting the MP, claiming he had previously insulted them.

Meanwhile the National Police Service (NPS) stated that the voting exercise commenced smoothly across all centres.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga reaffirmed that the police are working closely with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to fulfill their constitutional mandate of protecting life and property, preventing crime, and ensuring public safety.

IEBC Chairperson Erastus Ethekon sought to reassure voters, confirming that security had been enhanced. Ethekon stated that a minimum of two officers were on duty at every polling station, supported by additional rapid response patrol teams.

“Voters are assured of a secure and peaceful environment and are urged to report any incidents through the appropriate security channels,” Ethekon said.