Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has warned political leaders against interfering with the work of security agencies by protecting youths arrested for engaging in violence and disorder during public gatherings.
Speaking during a youth empowerment forum for Homa Bay County youth groups, Omollo said the government has adopted a firm stance against individuals who disrupt political meetings and other public events.
He urged leaders to stop using their influence to secure the release of suspects facing criminal charges.
According to the PS, many young people involved in violent incidents often turn to politicians for protection after they are arrested, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to enforce the law.
“No leader should receive calls or requests from youths asking for help to evade justice. If someone has broken the law, they should face the legal process,” Omollo said.
He called on political leaders across the country to support efforts aimed at ending the growing culture of political violence, saying leaders have a responsibility to encourage peace instead of protecting offenders.
Omollo noted that fear of attacks by rowdy youths has discouraged many leaders from attending public events, a situation he described as unacceptable in a democratic society.
“Right now, leaders are afraid to attend open gatherings because they are wondering how they will leave after the event. That fear should concern all of us,” he said.
While assuring security officers of the government’s full support in maintaining law and order, the Principal Secretary challenged them to continue engaging young people through dialogue while remaining firm against criminal activities.
“To the youth, our security agencies will only work with you if you change your approach. Violence and chaos cannot be accepted,” he said.
The forum brought together youth groups from seven constituencies in Homa Bay County and focused on empowering young people with skills and resources to improve their livelihoods.
Omollo said the initiative also seeks to change the negative perception often associated with youth from the Nyanza region.
He encouraged young people to become ambassadors of peace and development by rejecting violence and embracing opportunities that can improve their future.
“I challenge you to rise up and rewrite your history. Do not allow a few individuals to destroy the image of young people in this region,” Omollo said.
The PS also appealed to the youth to avoid confronting political opponents during public meetings, urging them to respect differing political opinions and maintain peace.
“If an opponent comes to Homa Bay, you can choose to attend or not. Listen if you want to, then walk away peacefully. Do not cause chaos and let us not fight them,” he added.
As part of the government’s youth empowerment programme, Omollo announced that 600 youth groups across Homa Bay County have been identified to benefit from economic support.
He said each registered group will receive equipment worth Sh100,000 based on items they collectively choose to support income-generating activities.
“The groups will meet and decide what they need, and each will receive equipment worth not more or less than Sh100,000,” he said, adding that the programme aims to create employment opportunities and improve the welfare of young people across the county.
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