PS Omollo warns leaders against inciting youth to cause chaos

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned politicians against hiring goons to disrupt public gatherings of their rivals.

Dr Omollo said the government will not tolerate political hooliganism across the country. 

Speaking at Sasi Primary School in Ndhiwa Constituency, the PS warned that punitive action will be taken against leaders who incite youth to cause violence at gatherings. 

“What is happening in this county is wrong. I will not let youth in Homa Bay attack each other as it has happened before. We will not condone any leaders who perpetrate violence,” he said.

Western and Nyanza regions have recently experienced incidents of political hooliganism.

“We have information that some politicians are developing a habit of ferrying youths to meetings to cause violence. Let the habit stop because the law will catch up with them,” Omollo said.

In Homa Bay, supporters of rival politicians clashed at Sasi.

“We will not sit and watch as youths fight over politics. I will deal with the person behind the violence in line with the law because we must have order in the society,” Omollo said.

“The youth should avoid politicians who use them to cause violence and disorder in the community. They will be dealt with as an individual,” he added.

The PS said every Kenyan has the freedom of expression and movement.

“Let us all know that there is freedom of speech and movement. No one should contravene the rights of the other,” he added.

Political hooliganism is rising across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Archbishop of the Independent Kristo Church of East Africa, Vincent Arogo, urged leaders to tone down political rhetoric.

 “Time for politics will come in 2027. Anybody who is campaigning this time should wait for the right time,” Rev. Arogo said.

He urged elected leaders to work for the people.

“This is the time elected leaders should be undertaking development projects. They should be given time to do so. All we want is peace because development can only take place in a peaceful environment,” he said.