The Kenyan government has warned against political violence and urged young people not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause unrest as the country gradually moves toward the next electioneering period.
Speaking in Nyakach during the burial ceremony of the late Lt. (Rtd.) George Were, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said political competition must be conducted peacefully and within the law.
Were, a pilot, died in the helicopter crash that killed late Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno and four others in Nandi County.
Omollo stressed that the government will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in the country, warning that those involved in criminal acts will face the full force of the law.
“The President has been very clear from the first day that under his leadership, violence and chaos will not become the currency of our politics,” he said.
The Principal Secretary cautioned that while the country has largely experienced calm in recent months, isolated incidents of unrest continue to occur and must be dealt with firmly through lawful processes.
He pointed to a recent incident in Migori County as an example of the kind of unrest that authorities are determined to address promptly.
“We had a very unfortunate incident in Migori County yesterday. Our security officers are already handling the matter and the instructions are very clear: anyone involved in any form of criminality must face the full force of the law,” Omollo said.
The PS emphasized that the rule of law applies equally to everyone regardless of their social or political standing.
“It does not matter whether you are an elected leader, an aspiring leader, a businessman, or an ordinary citizen. The rule of law must prevail, and no one will be allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said.
At the same time, Omollo praised leaders and residents of neighbouring Kisumu County and Kericho County for making notable progress in restoring peace in the Nyakach–Kericho border region, an area that has previously experienced inter-community tensions including cattle rustling and destruction of property.
He acknowledged the efforts of local leaders, including Members of Parliament and Members of County Assembly, who have worked with security agencies to promote dialogue and strengthen peaceful coexistence between communities.
According to the PS, continued engagement between community leaders, local administrators and security officers has played a crucial role in reducing tensions and stabilizing the region.
“Peace is not something we achieve once and forget. It is something we must protect every day through dialogue, cooperation and responsible leadership,” Omollo said.
He urged residents and leaders to safeguard the progress achieved and continue fostering cooperation across community lines.
Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening security coordination across the country and maintaining stability in all regions.
He added that the progress witnessed in Nyakach and Kericho demonstrates that lasting peace can be achieved when leaders, communities and security agencies work together.
