BOYD WERE RESPECTS IEBC RULING, CALLS FOR CALM AND UNITY AS KASIPUL APPROACHES CRUCIAL BY-ELECTION

 

Boyd Were (center) addresses the media after the IEBC committee’s decision, reaffirming his call for peaceful campaigns ahead of the Kasipul by-election. (Photo credits)

By: Gladys K

ODM candidate Boyd Were has reaffirmed his commitment to peace, calm and responsible leadership after the IEBC Electoral Code of Conduct Enforcement Committee issued its determination regarding the deadly violence witnessed in Okondo on 6 November 2025. The incident, which left two people dead and several others injured, prompted the Commission to summon both candidates and issue a series of penalties and directives aimed at restoring order in the constituency.

Speaking shortly after the ruling, Boyd Were maintained a composed and measured tone, acknowledging the IEBC’s authority while also expressing reservations about the process. He noted that certain intelligence reports considered by the Committee were not shared with him or his legal team beforehand.

“On Monday, we were summoned by the IEBC. We appeared, and now a decision has been made,” he said. “There were initial intelligence reports issued to the Committee that were not served to me personally or to my lawyer. If given time, I would have commented on them. But nevertheless, I respect the decision of the Committee, and I will seek further guidance on the same.”

Despite the concerns, Were made it clear that his signing of the Political Decency and Peace Charter was a demonstration of his commitment to safeguarding harmony in Kasipul not an admission of wrongdoing.

“I have signed the Political Decency and Peace Charter for political candidates, but it does not mean that I am guilty,” he emphasised. “What it means is that I am committed to advocating for peace in Kasipul.”

Turning to his supporters, fellow aspirants and residents of the constituency, Boyd Were issued an emphatic appeal for restraint and unity in the days leading up to the 27 November 2025 by-election.

“I want to urge my supporters, I want to urge all candidates in the Kasipul by-elections, and all residents of Kasipul let’s maintain peace, let’s embrace each other. It’s only one week to the by-elections, so let us campaign peacefully and maintain peace,” he said. “At the end of the day, we will only have one Member of Parliament, and the people of Kasipul will choose their member.”

While the IEBC ruled that both candidates violated aspects of the electoral code, including deviating from the harmonised campaign schedule and failing to adequately restrain supporters, Boyd Were’s response reflected a deliberate decision to steer the conversation back to stability, mutual respect and the wellbeing of the constituency.

As Commissioner Dr. Alutalala Mukhwana issued stern warnings and fines to both candidates, he also praised the willingness of the aspirants to sign the Peace Charter and urged them to honour their commitments in both word and action. Were’s response echoed that call a reminder that leadership, especially in volatile times, demands calm, responsibility and a willingness to rise above conflict.

With a decisive by-election now days away, Boyd Were has placed himself at the centre of calls for tolerance and unity, urging Kasipul residents to protect the peace that will allow them to freely choose the leader they want.