Hundreds turned out at Nyakakana Primary School in Kadibo, Kisumu county for the 63rd Madaraka Day celebrations, as leaders rallied residents to tackle insecurity, illicit brews, GBV and environmental degradation.
The celebrations were presided over by Kadibo Assistant County Commissioner (ACC) Casline Omollo, who read President William Ruto’s Madaraka Day speech before addressing residents on issues affecting the newly created sub-county.
Speaking after delivering the President’s message, Omollo called on members of the public to work closely with security agencies to tackle rising cases of crime, noting that the area’s security personnel remain inadequate due to the sub-county’s recent establishment.
“Kadibo is still a new sub-county and the number of police officers available is still low. Security officers cannot be everywhere at the same time, and that is why we need the public to be vigilant and report criminal elements among them promptly,” said Omollo.
She expressed concern over the involvement of some young people in criminal activities and urged parents and guardians to take a more active role in monitoring their children.
“Parents must know where their children are, who they spend time with and what activities they engage in. Bad company breeds bad character, and if not corrected early, some of these children can graduate into hardened criminals,” she warned.
The administrator further directed chiefs and assistant chiefs to strengthen community policing structures through the Nyumba Kumi initiative to improve information sharing and crime prevention at the grassroots level.
“I want chiefs and their assistants to activate Nyumba Kumi and work closely with residents. We also have village elders who can help resolve some community disputes before they escalate,” she said.
Omollo revealed that the government is planning to support village elders financially beginning in the next financial year to enhance their service delivery.
“The government recognizes the important role played by village elders, and starting next financial year they will receive a token to enable them perform their duties more diligently,” she added.
The ACC also declared war on illicit brews, saying alcohol abuse was negatively affecting productivity and development in the area.
“A drunk society cannot contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country. We must all join hands in eliminating illicit brews and protecting our youth from substance abuse,” she said.
On gender-based violence, Omollo urged families to embrace dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution, warning that the law applies equally to both men and women.
She noted that cases of women assaulting their husbands had been reported and advised victims not to suffer in silence but seek assistance from relevant authorities.
The administrator also encouraged residents to embrace tree planting as a way of conserving the environment and mitigating the effects of climate change while creating economic opportunities through timber and fruit production.
As the country gradually approaches the next General Election, Omollo urged eligible residents who have not registered as voters to do so and participate in choosing leaders who will steer the nation forward.
The colourful celebrations featured cultural performances, patriotic songs and entertainment from local groups, with residents expressing optimism that the government’s development agenda would bring more opportunities to the growing Kadibo Sub-County.
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