Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning ahead of the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 25, saying the government will protect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly but will not tolerate lawlessness or intimidation of non-participants.
Speaking on Friday at Oriwo Boys High School in Karachuonyo during celebrations marking the institution’s elevation to Cluster 1 (C1) status, the equivalent of a national school, Omollo urged demonstrators to conduct themselves responsibly and avoid disrupting the lives and livelihoods of others.
“As a government, we will defend everybody’s rights as enshrined in the Constitution. If you come to the streets, do your thing and go home. But we will not allow anyone to interfere with those who are not taking part. We will not spare those who will try to interfere with others,” said Omollo.
The PS warned that individuals found carrying weapons during the demonstrations would be treated as criminals and dealt with in accordance with the law.
At the same time, Omollo raised concern over what he described as growing parental negligence, particularly in relation to student discipline and school safety. He cited the recent incident at Utumishi Academy in Gilgil, terming it devastating and calling on parents to take a more active role in guiding and monitoring their children.
“Students do not get petrol from schools; they get it from outside. Parents and administrators must be vigilant, report suspicious behaviour, and follow up on learners,” he said.
The PS faulted parents who keep school-going children at home while their peers are attending classes, stressing that parenting responsibilities extend beyond paying school fees.
“It is wrong to stay with a school-going child at home when other students are in school. Parents must be responsible and ensure their children remain focused on education,” he added.
Omollo described education as the country’s greatest equaliser and praised President William Ruto’s administration for what he termed unprecedented investment in the sector.
He noted that the government has hired more than 100,000 teachers within three years, a feat he said had never been achieved by previous administrations.
“The President has allocated significant resources to education because he understands its transformative power. The level of investment we are witnessing is unprecedented,” said Omollo.
The PS also pledged continued personal support for Oriwo Boys High School, noting that the institution has made remarkable progress since its establishment 85 years ago.
His remarks came as the school celebrated its elevation to national school status, a milestone expected to boost its academic profile and attract learners from across the country.
