PHOTO - Man Holds Panga As Kaluma Campaigns For Boyd Were In Kasipul Sparking Mixed Reactions Online

A photo of a man holding a large panga at a campaign rally in Kasipul has sparked outrage across social media. 

The image showes the armed supporter raising the weapon high while Homa Bay MP George Kaluma addresses the crowd. 

Critics say the photo reflects the rising violence surrounding the upcoming by-election set for November 27.

The viral post on X, shared by user @TheKaslim and odoyo owidi condemned the use of weapons by political supporters. 

Residents fear the tensions in Kasipul, already troubled by past killings, could escalate further. 

The parliamentary seat became vacant after former MP Charles Ong’ondo Were was murdered in April 2025, an incident many call a political assassination.

Boyd Were, the slain MP’s son, is ODM’s candidate and has promised to honor his father’s legacy while urging peace. 

Kaluma has campaigned strongly for Were, rallying support across the constituency. 

However, his fiery speeches and accusations against rival candidates have fueled tensions further.

Speaking yesterday, Kaluma accused former Migori Governor Okoth Obado and independent candidate Philip Aroko of being involved in Sharon & Ong’ondo Were’s murder respectively.

Aroko, cleared of charges in the case, dismissed the allegations as political smears and stepped up door-to-door campaigning. 

Obado’s support for Aroko has intensified the rivalry, with Kaluma calling it a "murderers’ alliance."

Violence has already marred the campaign. On November 6, gunfire at a rally in Opondo left two dead and several injured. 

Aroko supporters clashed with Were’s backers, burning motorcycles and sending residents fleeing. 

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission fined both candidates Sh1 million each for breaking electoral rules. IEBC Chair Abdi Guliye warned that further violations could lead to disqualification.

The Greater Rachuonyo Elders Forum criticized ODM leaders, including Governor Gladys Wanga, for escalating the conflict. 

Kaluma, however, has accused police of bias, claiming raids on Were’s home were meant to sabotage his campaign. 

He recently showed solidarity by dancing with Were’s mother during a public event.

As election day nears, Kasipul remains tense. The photo of the panga-wielding supporter has become a symbol of the risks surrounding the race. 

While some residents hope for peace, the ongoing political rivalry continues to stir fear. The outcome of the by-election will determine whether the community can move forward or face more unrest.