HOMABAY COUNTY, Kenya — Homa Bay Town Member of Parliament Peter George Kaluma, serving as the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party’s chief agent in the ongoing Kasipul by-election, was assaulted at the Agoro Sare polling station on Thursday. The violent attack also resulted in the theft of his bodyguard’s firearm.
The legislator sustained a head injury during the confrontation at Agoro Sare Primary School and has since been rushed to a hospital for immediate medical attention.
The incident occurred when MP Kaluma arrived at the polling station ahead of the ODM candidate, Boyd Were Ong’ondo. Reports indicate he was set upon by a group of youths allegedly supporting an opponent of the ODM candidate.
Eyewitnesses detailed the start of the fracas, linking it to the arrival of Independent candidate Philip Aroko at the station to check on voting progress, having cast his own vote at Kachieng Primary School.
“Some youths confronted MP Kaluma, asking what he was doing there because he is not a voter in the Kasipul constituency. They pushed and assaulted him on the back of his head,” an eyewitness said.
The confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in the assault on the legislator and the subsequent theft of his security detail’s weapon before security officers intervened to restore order. The precise motive of the attack remains under investigation.
Police launch manhunt and appeal for calm
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the incident and the theft of the weapon, assuring the public that the matter is being treated with the utmost seriousness.
“We’re taking the matter very seriously and looking for the suspects after they disappeared. There should be peace,” Koilem said.
The Police Commander urged all residents to cast their votes and promptly leave the polling stations, noting concerns over voter loitering disguised as “protecting their votes.”
“The issue of casting vote and hoping from one station to another should stop. We want people to vote and go home because police are the only people allowed to provide security,” he added.
Following the attack, ODM candidate Boyd Were appealed to Kasipul constituents to remain calm and reject intimidation, urging them to exercise their democratic right to elect their next MP.
The by-election has been marred by prior tensions; last week, front-runners Aroko and Were were each fined Ksh1 million for allegedly abetting violence during campaign rallies that resulted in the deaths of two youths.
