A photo of a hired youth gang. Photo/The Standard
By Newsflash Team
For years, Kasipul Constituency in Homa Bay was considered a peaceful region, with only sporadic incidents of violence during election campaigns or after polls.
However, that image has changed drastically over time, especially in recent years, as politically motivated violence has taken root.
Formed in 2010 after being carved out of the larger Kasipul Kabondo Constituency, Kasipul’s early years were calm. The constituency’s first Member of Parliament, Oyugi Magwanga, who now serves as Homa Bay Deputy Governor, recalls the optimism and hope that came with the creation of the new electoral area.
Even during the first term of the late MP Charles Ong’ondo Were, peace generally prevailed. However, tensions have risen sharply, culminating in Were’s tragic assassination in Nairobi on Wednesday.
Violence, it seems, became more entrenched when political leaders began recruiting youth to serve as private security during events. While some of these young men carry crude weapons, others are reportedly armed with firearms. Many have been captured in viral videos—dressed in black, wearing face masks—circulating on social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook.
Ndhiwa MP Agostinho Neto attributes the rise in political violence in Kasipul to years of unchecked hostility. “Political tension around Were dates back to his early campaigns, but it intensified in the last two years. People have lost their lives and limbs,” Neto said.
Rented youth and roadside chaos
Political gatherings and funerals have increasingly turned into battlegrounds. In several cases, property has been destroyed, mourners injured, and lives lost. The growing presence of hired youth at political events has fueled the violence. Often, these youth arrive in small vehicles such as the Toyota Probox—cheap and versatile, they are the preferred choice for ferrying large numbers of people.
Jared Mwai, a driver who operates between Homa Bay and Mbita, explained that these vehicles, designed for five passengers, sometimes carry up to 12 people. “Most drivers charge around Sh5,000 a day. Those driving bigger cars demand at least Sh8,000,” he said.
Read more:Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo shot dead in Nairobi
These youth are often aligned to various political factions and are led by influential handlers who are contacted for assignments. In some cases, these groups are even given uniforms, military-style boots, and caps. Weapons, including guns and knives, are typically hidden in oversized coats—worn regardless of weather conditions.
Their presence at political events has turned many gatherings into potential war zones. Clashes between rival groups are common and frequently end in bloodshed.
Calls for peace and accountability
Deputy Governor Magwanga has raised concern over the deteriorating security situation in Kasipul, calling it “deeply troubling.” “This constituency needs prayers, peace, and leadership,” he said. He noted that Kasipul has now lost two MPs mid-term—the late Senior Chief and Charles Ong’ondo Were.
He blamed political failure and inadequate action by security agencies for the current unrest. “Leaders must realize that some of these youths, who have large followings and even weapons, can turn deadly,” he warned.
He emphasized the importance of responsible leadership, urging politicians to act as role models and steer their followers away from violence. “We need to lead with tolerance and wisdom. The tone we set affects how far our supporters will go,” Magwanga added.
Read more: Inside the chilling murder plot against MP Ong’ondo Were
Kenneth Jabuya, a local resident and political operative, echoed these concerns. He said he supported Were’s 2017 campaign but was later sidelined after the MP won. “Many of us who were part of the campaign team were kicked out after the election. New faces took over,” Jabuya claimed.
He also recounted a violent attack in 2019, allegedly orchestrated by one of Were’s aides, which left him with serious stab wounds. Though the court ordered compensation of Sh1.2 million, Jabuya says he never received the money.
As investigations continue into Were’s murder, many in Kasipul are left grappling with the impact of deep-rooted political divisions and the need for lasting peace.
