Internal Security Principal Secretary Dr Raymond Omollo has urged political leaders from Luo Nyanza to align themselves with President William Ruto, saying residents have already decided to support his re-election bid in 2027.
Omollo said residents were increasingly embracing Ruto’s leadership and development agenda, challenging their political leaders to follow suit rather than continue directing them on which political path to take.
Speaking in Bondo, Siaya County on Saturday during an engagement with Beach Management Units (BMUs) and traders from Bondo and Rarieda sub-counties, the PS said the President’s development record had helped win public support across the country.
He cited the recruitment of more than 100,000 teachers, with an additional 20,000 expected to be hired, as well as the construction of fish landing sites and roads, saying the projects were part of a development agenda initiated by Ruto after assuming office.
“Our people have already joined President William Ruto’s camp, and now that you have followed Ruto, your leaders must join you there. The President was not directed to build a pier at Wich Lum. He travelled across the country, identified development gaps and came up with a plan to address them,” Omollo said.
On the fishing sector, Omollo pledged to pursue solutions to the longstanding boundary dispute between Kenya and Uganda, as well as disagreements involving fishing communities in Siaya, Kisumu and Homa Bay counties.
He commended fishermen in Rarieda for adopting recommended fishing methods and urged those in Usigu, Bondo, Kisumu and Homa Bay to embrace safe and approved fishing practices to boost the blue economy.
The PS also called for enhanced security along Lake Victoria, saying officers attached to the Kenya Coast Guard needed additional support to protect fishermen and their activities.
He disclosed that the government was engaging relevant authorities in Uganda to address cross-border tensions and promote peaceful coexistence on the lake.
Omollo further pledged to support training for BMUs and traders on savings and cooperative management, following complaints from members who had experienced difficulties accessing their SACCO savings.
He warned SACCO officials and leaders against mismanaging members’ contributions, insisting that the funds should be protected and used for the benefit of members.
The PS said the Ruto administration was committed to expanding the blue economy, just as it had prioritised agriculture.
He pointed to reforms in the sugar sector, saying sugarcane farmers were now receiving payments within 10 days of delivering their cane to factories.
Omollo said the administration was implementing commitments made during the 2022 election campaign through its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which he said was designed to improve livelihoods and expand economic opportunities.
