Businessman Philip Aroko has been officially cleared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to contest the Kasipul parliamentary by-election as an independent candidate.
Aroko presented his nomination papers at the IEBC constituency offices in Oyugis on Tuesday, where he was accompanied by his supporters and family.
The IEBC’s Returning Officer confirmed that Aroko met all the legal and procedural requirements set under the Elections Act, including the submission of supporter signatures, identification documents, and academic qualifications.
“Having verified all the required documents and signatures, the Commission is satisfied that Mr. Philip Aroko qualifies to contest the Kasipul parliamentary by-election as an independent candidate,” the Returning Officer announced while issuing the clearance certificate.
Aroko, a well-known entrepreneur in Homa Bay County, described his clearance as a victory for truth, resilience, and democracy, saying it represents a new beginning both for him and for the people of Kasipul.
“This is a moment of renewal. I have faced challenges and false accusations in the past, but I have come out stronger. My focus now is on servant leadership, youth empowerment, and equitable development for Kasipul,” Aroko said after receiving his certificate.
Aroko’s political journey has not been without turbulence. Ealier this year, he was arrested and linked to the killing of former Kasipul MP Charles Ongondo Were, whose brutal assassination shocked the nation and left the constituency in mourning.
Investigators initially treated Aroko as a person of interest, but he was later cleared of all murder charges after the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) found insufficient evidence connecting him to the crime.
The businessman has since maintained that he was wrongly profiled and that the case was politically motivated to tarnish his reputation and derail his ambitions.
“I was accused of something I did not do. It was a painful chapter, but justice prevailed. I thank God for clearing my name and giving me another chance to serve my people with integrity,” Aroko told reporters.
The Kasipul parliamentary seat fell vacant following the assassination of MP Were, whose death triggered an outpouring of grief and a prolonged investigation by security agencies.
The IEBC declared the seat vacant and scheduled a by-election to fill the vacancy, setting the stage for a heated political contest in the region.
The Commission has since called on all aspirants to conduct peaceful and issue-based campaigns, assuring voters that the upcoming poll will be free, fair, and credible.
“We urge all candidates to abide by the electoral code of conduct and promote peace throughout the campaign period. The IEBC is committed to ensuring that the people of Kasipul exercise their democratic rights in a transparent and secure environment,” said the Returning Officer.
Aroko has vowed to prioritize development, education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment, saying he seeks to restore hope and unity among residents.
“Kasipul deserves leadership that heals, unites, and delivers. My campaign is about the people — not politics of division,” he stated.
