The government has warned politicians against recruiting youths or criminal gangs to instigate violence during political activities, saying anyone found breaking the law would face prosecution.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo said political competition should be settled through elections rather than intimidation or violence as the country prepares for future political activities.
“If you do not support a particular leader, wait for the elections and exercise your democratic right. Violence, intimidation and criminal gangs have no place in our politics,” Dr Omollo said.
He spoke during an interdenominational prayer service and fundraiser for 331 church choirs in Nyamira County on Thursday.
He urged political leaders not to exploit unemployed youths for political gain, saying the practice threatened peace, security and national unity.
Dr Omollo also appealed to young people to reject recruitment into criminal activities, saying violence undermines communities and limits development opportunities.
He said the government would not tolerate lawlessness and had directed security agencies to remain vigilant in preventing political violence across the country.
“Criminality and violence will not be allowed to define our politics or determine who becomes a leader. Anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” Dr Omollo said.
He praised residents of Nyamira County for maintaining peace despite political differences and said all leaders should be able to campaign, express their views and hold public meetings without intimidation.
Dr Omollo instructed the County Commissioner, National Government Administrative Officers and security agencies to work with local leaders and residents to ensure public gatherings remained peaceful and secure.
“Our responsibility is to ensure every Kenyan can attend a public meeting, express their views and return home safely without fear or intimidation,” he said.
Besides security, Dr Omollo said the government had operationalised additional administrative units in Nyamira County to improve service delivery and strengthen grassroots governance.
He encouraged qualified applicants to seek advertised Chief and Assistant Chief positions, saying effective local administration was critical to security, conflict resolution and development.
Dr Omollo also urged Kenyans to reject leaders who sought to divide communities along ethnic or religious lines, saying the government remained committed to equitable development through investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare and employment.
“We must reject politics that divide us on the basis of tribe or religion. Kenya’s future depends on unity, peaceful coexistence and equitable development for every region,” he said.
The event was attended by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Presidential Adviser Farouk Kibet, Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, lawmakers, religious leaders and residents from Nyamira, Kisii and neighbouring counties.
Several leaders at the gathering echoed calls for peaceful politics and urged the public to cooperate with security agencies to maintain law and order.
Church leaders also appealed for respectful political dialogue and warned against rhetoric that could inflame tensions.
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