Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo has cautioned against the use of church pulpits to spread political intolerance, tribalism and hatred, insisting that places of worship must remain sanctuaries of peace, unity and national cohesion.
Speaking during a church service at St. Pascal Catholic Church in Chiga, Homa Bay County, Dr. Omollo urged religious leaders to protect the sanctity of the Church by ensuring that sermons and church platforms inspire hope, truth and reconciliation rather than divisive political rhetoric.
“The Church must never become a platform for leaders who preach division, hatred and tribalism. Let us not desecrate places of worship by allowing them to be used for agendas that undermine national unity. The Church should continue standing firmly for truth, peace and unity,” he said.
The PS underscored the Church’s critical role in shaping moral values, nurturing responsible citizens and promoting peaceful coexistence, saying religious institutions have a duty to speak out against misinformation, hate speech and actions that threaten Kenya’s stability.
Dr. Omollo said the country’s progress depends on leaders and citizens embracing inclusivity while rejecting politics that seek to divide communities along ethnic, regional or political lines. He maintained that every Kenyan deserves equal opportunities regardless of their background.
He praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contribution to national development through investments in education, healthcare and social welfare, describing it as one of the Government’s most dependable partners in improving the lives of citizens.
According to the PS, church-sponsored schools, hospitals and community outreach programmes have significantly complemented government efforts in expanding access to essential services while promoting ethical leadership and social responsibility.
He challenged leaders across the political divide to focus on development and service delivery instead of engaging in divisive politics, noting that sustainable economic growth can only flourish in an environment of peace, stability and national unity.
Dr. Omollo further urged Kenyans to embrace their shared national identity and work collectively towards building a united, peaceful and prosperous country founded on mutual respect and inclusivity.
He also commended President William Ruto’s administration for pursuing an inclusive development agenda aimed at ensuring all regions benefit from government programmes and projects regardless of political affiliation.
The Principal Secretary reaffirmed that religious institutions remain indispensable partners in strengthening social cohesion and fostering peaceful coexistence across the country.
Among the leaders who attended the service were Senator Hon. Oburu Odinga, Homa Bay Governor H.E. Gladys Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Principal Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Ouma Oluga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, Nyando MP Jared Okelo, Nicholas Gumbo, Joshua Aduma, Lake Basin Development Authority Managing Director CPA Wycliffe Ochiaga and several Members of County Assembly.
