Gun stolen from Homa Bay MP’s bodyguard recovered after Kasipul by-election clash
Police also noted that they have arrested 23 suspects, and 11 vehicles, along with two motorcycles, were seized as investigations continue.
A firearm stolen from Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma’s bodyguard during a tense confrontation at a Kasipul by-election polling station on Thursday has been recovered.
The incident unfolded at Agoro Sare Primary School when Kaluma, acting as ODM Party chief agent, arrived to meet what he thought was a convoy for ODM candidate Boyd Were. The convoy, however, belonged to independent candidate Philip Aroko. The two politicians exchanged greetings before violence erupted, leaving Kaluma struck at the back of the head and his bodyguard’s pistol wrested away.
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County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the firearm was recovered abandoned after an intensive search involving intelligence teams and community informers.
“We immediately launched a coordinated operation after the firearm was reported stolen. Through intelligence gathering and support from informers, we managed to recover the firearm where it had been dumped,” Koilem said.
Police also noted that they have arrested 23 suspects, and 11 vehicles, along with two motorcycles, were seized as investigations continue. Koilem termed the recovery as a “significant breakthrough” but highlighted that detectives were reconstructing the events leading to the clash.
“The firearm will undergo ballistic analysis to determine whether it was used at any point after being snatched. We want to establish the full chain of events and ensure that all involved are held accountable,” he added.
Eyewitnesses said the fracas began when youths confronted Kaluma, questioning his presence in a constituency where he is not a voter and assaulted him on the back of the head. Security officers quickly intervened to restore order as Kaluma was rushed to the hospital for treatment.
The incident comes as both Aroko and Were are front-runners in the by-election. Voters had been warned to remain calm despite the tensions, with Boyd Were urging residents not to be intimidated.
Last week, the candidates were each fined Sh1 million over campaign-related violence in the constituency that resulted in the deaths of two youths.
Koilem urged residents to leave polling stations once they have cast their ballots, noting that police are the sole providers of security at the sites.
“The issue of casting a vote and hopping 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 said.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Friday as investigations continue.
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