Kenya’s Interior Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo has urged citizens to avoid crossing into Tanzania to take part in demonstrations, saying such actions could breach the law and expose participants to danger.
Addressing the Border Control and Operations Coordination Committee gathering in Mombasa, Omollo called for calm and lawful conduct amid growing tension along the Namanga frontier.
He reminded Kenyans that the right to protest remains protected, but must be exercised responsibly and within the country’s legal framework.
“As a country, we have laws and regulations that govern protests and demonstrations. My appeal is that anyone who wishes to engage in any form of protest should do so within the confines of the law,” he said on Thursday.
The PS also pointed out that Tanzania has its own channels for handling internal issues and encouraged Kenyan citizens to allow the neighbour to manage its situation. He emphasised that Kenya wishes Tanzania stability as it navigates unrest following a contested election.
PS Omollo assured the public that border and customs officials will manage any disruptions that may arise from cross-border movement during this period.
He said officers stationed at entry and exit points would play a crucial role in safeguarding travellers and businesses.
“Anything that is outside the law on the Kenyan side will definitely do what the law allows us to do, and I appeal to anyone not to take the law into their hands and do what is expected, and our officers are competent enough to deal with any situations. If there will be any inconveniences in terms of movement of cargo and people, I believe the officers at our points of exit and entry must be able to advise those who are moving in a manner that we don't endanger any lives or businesses,” he said.
Earlier Thursday, tension erupted at Namanga after authorities blocked some Kenyans from crossing into Tanzania to join protests that have spread across the country after Wednesday’s disputed polls. Security officers moved swiftly to contain the situation as crowds gathered along the border.
The multi-agency BCOCC, currently holding its 64th sitting, conducted an inspection tour of key facilities in the coastal region, including the Port of Mombasa’s Joint Operations Centre.
Omollo highlighted positive performance at the port, crediting efficiency gains by the Kenya Ports Authority.
Data presented showed the port processed 32.86 million metric tonnes of cargo between January and September this year, compared to 29.97 million metric tonnes in the same period last year, marking a 9.6 per cent rise.
Container volumes also climbed from 1.46 million TEUs to 1.55 million TEUs, a 6.2 per cent increase.
He commended the cooperative approach among border agencies, saying it has improved both trade facilitation and safety efforts. “We have seen tangible results from this collaborative approach, such as the recent interception of a vessel involved in illegal activities at sea,” he said.
Omollo also noted that several border points with Somalia and Ethiopia still require upgrades to strengthen security and streamline screening.
He added that work on the Suam One-Stop Border Point on the Kenya-Uganda corridor is being fast-tracked.
“Our borders remain porous and susceptible to illicit trade and unauthorised movement. We are determined to complete these facilities to better track people and goods entering and leaving the country,” he said.
