The government has issued a stern warning to politicians accused of recruiting criminal gangs and exploiting young people to intimidate rivals and disrupt political activities, saying those found culpable will face the full force of the law.
Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service and Harambee fundraiser for 331 church choirs in Nyamira County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Dr. Raymond Omollo, said Kenya’s democratic space must not be undermined by violence, intimidation or organised criminal groups.
Dr. Omollo cautioned political leaders against using youths as tools to advance personal political interests, urging young people to reject attempts to drag them into criminal activities.
“If you do not support a particular leader, wait for the elections and exercise your democratic right. Violence, intimidation and criminal gangs have no place in our politics,” he said.
The PS commended Nyamira residents for maintaining peace and resisting organised criminal gangs, describing the county as a model of peaceful political engagement where leaders and citizens can freely express differing opinions without fear or violence.
He directed the County Commissioner, National Government Administrative Officers and security agencies to work closely with local leaders and residents to safeguard peace, prevent politically instigated violence and ensure public gatherings are conducted without intimidation or disruption.
Dr. Omollo also announced that the government had operationalised additional administrative units in Nyamira County to improve access to public services. He encouraged qualified and upright men and women to apply for the advertised Chief and Assistant Chief positions, saying effective grassroots administration is critical to strengthening security, improving service delivery and accelerating community development.
He further urged Kenyans to reject leaders who promote ethnic and religious divisions, saying President William Ruto’s administration remains committed to delivering equitable development through investments in roads, education, healthcare and employment opportunities across all regions of the country.
The event was attended by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, Presidential Advisor Farouk Kibet, Nominated Senator Esther Okenyuri, Bungoma Senator Wafula Wakoli, Nyaribari Masaba MP Daniel Manduku, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Bomet Woman Representative Linet Toto, Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi, Nominated MP Irene Mayaka, Kericho Woman Representative Beatrice Kemei, as well as religious leaders, elders, elected leaders, church choirs and residents from Nyamira, Kisii and neighbouring counties.
