Post: Administrator Calls for Peaceful Campaigns Amid Rising Tensions in Homa Bay

Mombasa: Security personnel in Homa Bay county are pursuing five suspects who escaped arrest for alleged involvement in violence during campaigns for the Kasipul constituency by-election. Homa Bay County Commissioner, Ronald Mwiwawi, reported that the suspects managed to flee during a police raid at a gathering held at the residence of former Kasipul MP, Ong'ondo Were. During the escape, one suspect absconded with police handcuffs, aided by a rowdy mob that shielded them from authorities.According to Kenya News Agency, the Commissioner emphasized the seriousness of the situation, highlighting that the handcuffs are government property and should be returned to the nearest police station. The police have gathered credible evidence linking the suspects to the death of two youths on November 6, which occurred during a campaign rally in the Kasipul constituency. The attempted arrest was thwarted when the crowd attacked the security officers, allowing the suspects to evade capture.Mwiwawi urged the suspects to come forward and surrender to authorities, stressing the importance of allowing the judicial process to determine guilt or innocence. He warned that resisting arrest is a severe offense. Additionally, he cautioned politicians against employing goons during their campaigns, urging them to engage youths constructively.Meanwhile, religious leaders, led by the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims Secretary, Nuhu Masoud, commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for imposing fines of Sh1 million each on ODM candidate Boyd Were and independent candidate Philip Aroko for their alleged involvement in violent campaign activities. Masoud criticized certain politicians for inciting violence during the by-election campaigns, which has resulted in community bloodshed.Masoud called for further action by the electoral commission against those promoting violence during campaigns. He announced that religious leaders have initiated aggressive peace campaigns in the Kasipul constituency in anticipatio n of the by-elections. 'As religious leaders, we cannot sit back as our people butcher each other because of politics. We have an obligation to preach peace at every forum,' asserted Masoud.