Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged residents of Migori County to uphold peace and tolerance amid the ongoing national identity card registration drive, stressing that political rivalry should not divide communities.
Addressing residents in Masara, Suna West, Omollo said local leaders had collectively agreed that political differences must not trigger conflict or draw youth into unrest as the country approaches the next general election.
“We have agreed with leaders of Migori County that our political differences, especially for those vying for various positions, must not be the reason residents fight or our youth engage in chaos,” he said.
The PS noted that earlier discussions with local opinion shapers and leaders in Masara had resulted in a consensus that every candidate, regardless of the position they are seeking, should be allowed to present their agenda to residents without interference.
“If you do not want to listen to a particular leader, I am begging you, do not attend their meeting. But when we gather like this, we must give leaders the space to speak. It is upon you as voters to choose the leaders you want without being forced,” Omollo said.
He also warned against attempts by politicians to create tension in the county, urging residents to stay united and focus on development issues.
“Do not allow any politician to come here and confuse us or create unnecessary tension about what we stand for as a region,” he added.
Omollo’s comments come as political activity in Migori intensifies, with candidates stepping up grassroots campaigns in anticipation of the 2027 General Election. The county has previously witnessed episodes of political hooliganism, which the PS cautioned could disrupt community cohesion.
On national politics, Omollo confirmed that leaders in Migori were united in supporting President William Ruto for a second term, highlighting development initiatives undertaken in the county over the past three years.
“For the presidency, we are in unison. It is for President William Ruto, following what he has done and what we have witnessed in this region,” he said.
The PS made the remarks while observing the ongoing free ID registration exercise in Masara, which has attracted hundreds of residents applying for national identification documents.
He emphasized the importance of IDs, noting that they are essential not just for voting, but also for accessing government services and opportunities.
“An ID is not just about voting. It opens doors to many government services and opportunities,” Omollo said.
He added that under President Ruto’s administration, fees for first-time applicants and replacements have been scrapped to ease the financial burden on citizens.
“Today in Suna West, Migori County, we have hundreds of Kenyans registering for IDs so that, as a government, we can plan better for them,” Omollo said.
Finally, he encouraged residents who have not yet registered as voters to do so once they obtain their IDs, empowering them to participate fully in the democratic process.
“Because President William Ruto has delivered in the last three years and continues to deliver, when we go to elections next year, we have agreed with leaders from this region that we will give him a second term,” Omollo said.
He urged citizens to take advantage of local outreach programs to secure their identification documents and exercise their right to vote in the upcoming elections.
