Political leaders have been warned against using their influence to free youths arrested for causing violence at public meetings, with the government saying such actions are making it harder for security agencies to deal with offenders.
Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said anyone suspected of breaking the law must be allowed to go through the legal process without political interference.
He said some security officers have been arresting youths accused of causing disorder at political gatherings, only for leaders to step in and seek their release before investigations are completed.
Omollo said the practice has weakened efforts to deal with organised violence because those released through political intervention may return to similar activities knowing they can rely on political protection.
The PS spoke on Friday, August 7, 2026, during a youth empowerment forum in Nyakach Sub-County, Kisumu, attended by youth representatives from all constituencies in the area.
“No leader should receive calls or entertain requests aimed at helping suspects evade justice. Once someone has broken the law, the legal process should be allowed to proceed without interference,” he said.
Leaders urged to reject violence
Omollo said the use of youths to cause trouble during political activities was becoming a serious concern.
He said some young people are allegedly being organised to disrupt meetings, intimidate political opponents and extort money from leaders.
The PS said such groups have created an environment where some politicians fear attending public events, forcing them to seek additional security or stay away from open gatherings.
“When leaders begin fearing to attend public gatherings because of organised groups of rowdy youths, it becomes a matter that should concern the entire country,” he said.
He asked elected leaders to play a role in ending political violence by working with security agencies instead of trying to protect suspects facing arrest.
According to Omollo, peace cannot be achieved when political leaders interfere with investigations or use their positions to shield people accused of breaking the law.
He also told security officers to carry out their duties firmly and professionally, assuring them that the government would continue supporting efforts to maintain peace and public order.
The PS urged young people in the region to avoid being drawn into political fights and instead focus their energy on activities that can improve their lives.
He said youths should build their future through innovation and business rather than become involved in violence linked to political activities.
Residents were also asked to show restraint when politicians from different political camps visit their areas.
Omollo said people should be free to decide whether they want to attend a political meeting without being forced into confrontations with supporters of rival leaders.
“If a political opponent comes to your area, you are free to attend and listen or choose not to attend. What is important is that we must reject violence and allow everyone the freedom to express their views peacefully,” he said.
600 youth groups set for support
Omollo said economic empowerment is another part of the government's efforts to keep young people away from violence and other activities that could put them in conflict with the law.
He said the youth empowerment programme is designed to support groups involved in different income-generating activities and help them build businesses that can provide jobs and improve household earnings.
The PS announced that 600 youth groups across Homa Bay County had been selected to benefit from the programme before the end of August.
Each group will receive equipment valued at Sh100,000 to support its chosen economic activity.
The beneficiaries will have the opportunity to select the equipment they consider most useful for the businesses or projects they want to undertake.
Omollo said giving young people access to tools and opportunities to earn an income could make them less vulnerable to politicians and criminal groups looking for youths to take part in violence.
He urged the groups receiving the support to use the equipment wisely and develop enterprises that can continue operating beyond the initial government assistance.
The PS said the aim is to create sustainable sources of income, generate employment and improve the financial well-being of families.
He maintained that providing young people with practical economic opportunities is an important way of reducing their involvement in violence and helping communities maintain peace.