Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a strong warning against criminal gangs and political violence, affirming that the government will take firm action against individuals involved in acts of “goonism” across the country.
Speaking during the launch of the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter in Lodwar, Turkana County, Omollo said the government is intensifying security operations to restore stability in affected regions.
“Criminal gangs and political goonism are a national challenge and will not be tolerated. Any individual or leader who engages in or facilitates such acts will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” he said.
The Principal Secretary noted that insecurity driven by armed groups, banditry, and cattle rustling continues to disrupt livelihoods, particularly among pastoral communities.
He confirmed that the government has scaled up disarmament operations to remove illegal firearms from circulation.
“The ongoing disarmament operation is part of our broader security intervention to ensure that illegal firearms are removed from circulation and do not remain in the wrong hands,” Omollo said.
He added that the ongoing mop-up exercise has already yielded significant recoveries, with authorities determined to sustain the crackdown until all threats are neutralized.
“We have recorded significant recoveries of illegal firearms, and the operation will continue for as long as the threat persists,” he stated.
Addressing concerns raised by local leaders over the conduct of the security operations, Omollo assured residents that the government is engaging stakeholders while maintaining focus on public safety.
“We have engaged local leadership on concerns raised and will address them, but the objective remains clear — ensuring that firearms are not in the hands of criminals,” he said.
He further emphasized the need for coordination between law enforcement agencies and the justice system to ensure accountability for those arrested.
“Law enforcement agencies must act impartially, and the justice system must ensure that those apprehended are prosecuted based on evidence,” he said.
The remarks came during the official launch of the Ateker Leaders Council, a regional platform bringing together communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia to promote peace, cooperation, and development.
“Today, we have officially launched and operationalised the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter to drive lasting solutions on peace, security, and development,” Omollo said.
He highlighted the shared cultural heritage among Ateker communities, noting that these ties can be harnessed to address cross-border insecurity and strengthen unity.
“We are bound together by language, culture, and a shared way of life. Our forefathers moved freely across these lands, united by trust and tradition,” he said.
Omollo stressed that sustainable peace must be driven by communities themselves, urging leaders to actively engage citizens in peacebuilding initiatives.
“Peace cannot be imported. It must begin within our communities. When elders speak, communities listen, and when leaders come together, people follow,” he said.
He also underscored the role of inclusive development in sustaining peace, noting that the government is investing in critical sectors such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure in marginalized regions.
“At the heart of lasting peace is inclusive development. We must invest in hospitals, schools, and livelihoods to ensure that our people benefit from national progress,” he said.