Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo has urged young people in the Nyanza region not to allow politicians to use them to incite violence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking during the commissioning of Manyatta B Police Station in Kisumu East, Dr Omollo said political competition should be peaceful, with all candidates given equal opportunities to campaign and present their manifestos.
He warned that political violence could lead to loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities.
The PS urged young people to protect businesses, public transport operators and other sources of livelihood from political interference, saying insecurity creates fear and undermines economic growth.
“Every politician must be given an opportunity to sell their agenda. Young people should not allow themselves to be used to cause chaos. When you fight against each other, we lose lives and property,” he said.
Dr Omollo said voters should be allowed to make independent decisions on whom to elect in 2027 without intimidation or coercion.
He also declared his support for President William Ruto’s re-election bid, citing development projects undertaken by the government in the Nyanza region.
Dr said the administration had invested in road construction, teacher recruitment and improvements to healthcare services without pressure from local leaders.
“As the people of Nyanza, the President has worked for us without any coercion from us as leaders. We did not put pressure on him to build our roads, hire our teachers or streamline our healthcare system. He has done it because that is what good leadership is,” he said.
Dr Omollo added that the region’s support for President Ruto would be based on the government’s development record and its contribution to the country.
“That is why we have all agreed that we will support him and re-elect him purely on account of what he has done for the people of Nyanza and the people of Kenya,” he said.
His remarks come as political activity gathers pace ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders increasingly calling on young people to maintain peace during campaigns.
New police station to boost security
Meanwhile, Dr mollo commended Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir for working with the national government to improve security infrastructure through the construction and equipping of police facilities.
He said the partnership had brought police services closer to residents and improved access to security services.
Dr Omollo said Manyatta B Police Station was the second facility he had been invited to commission by Shabir, following an earlier engagement at Kasagam.
The event was attended by Kisumu Deputy Governor Mathews Owili, Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Nyando MP Jared Okello and other local leaders.
The new station, located in Manyatta B Ward, is expected to improve security in the area and neighbouring locations, including Kondele and Kolwa Central.
It is also expected to improve access to police services, emergency response, crime reporting, investigations and patrols.
The facility will provide residents with a point to report suspicious activities and work with security agencies to tackle offences such as robbery, burglary and assault.
Speaking at the event, Shabir thanked the national government for its cooperation and reaffirmed his support for President Ruto.
He said Kisumu East remained firmly behind the President and urged Dr Omollo to convey the constituency’s message of support to the Head of State.
“Above all, please convey our greetings to the President, our leader. Tell him that this is his home. Kondele is his, Kisumu East is his,” Shabir said.
He added that the constituency had overwhelmingly supported President Ruto in the last General Election and wanted him to know that he continued to enjoy its backing.
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