Criminal gangs and political goonism will not be tolerated, PS Omollo says

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo/HANDOUT

The Ministry of Interior and National Administration has warned against criminal gangs and political violence, saying decisive action will be taken against individuals involved.

This is even as security operations continue in parts of the country to restore stability.

Speaking in Lodwar, Turkana County, during the launch of the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter, Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, Raymond Omollo, said the Government will not tolerate unlawful activities linked to insecurity and political disruption.

“Criminal gangs and political goonism are a national challenge and will not be tolerated. Any individual or leader who engages in or facilitates such acts will be held accountable in accordance with the law," PS Omollo said.

The PS noted that armed groups, banditry, and cattle rustling have had severe impacts on pastoral communities. He said the Government has stepped up disarmament efforts aimed at removing illegal firearms from circulation.

“The ongoing disarmament operation is part of our broader security intervention to ensure that illegal firearms are removed from circulation and do not remain in the wrong hands.”

He added that the mop-up exercise has already led to recoveries of illegal weapons and will continue until the threat is addressed.

“We have recorded significant recoveries of illegal firearms, and the operation will continue for as long as the threat persists.”

PS Omollo acknowledged concerns raised by local leaders regarding the conduct of security operations.

He assured residents that the Government is engaging leadership while maintaining its focus on public safety and law enforcement.

“We have engaged local leadership on concerns raised and will address them, but the objective remains clear — ensuring that firearms are not in the hands of criminals.”

He further stressed the importance of coordination between law enforcement agencies and the justice system to ensure accountability for those arrested in connection with insecurity-related crimes.

“Law enforcement agencies must act impartially, and the justice system must ensure that those apprehended are prosecuted based on evidence.”

The remarks were made during the official launch of the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter in Lodwar. The Council is a community-driven platform aimed at strengthening peace, cooperation, and development among Ateker communities across Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

It brings together leaders from Ateker communities, including the Turkana and Teso, and is expected to provide a structured framework for addressing cross-border insecurity, promoting dialogue, and supporting inclusive development.

“Today, we have officially launched and operationalised the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter to drive lasting solutions on peace, security, and development.”

PS Omollo said the initiative is rooted in shared cultural and historical ties that extend beyond national borders, highlighting long-standing social connections among the communities.

“We are bound together by language, culture, and a shared way of life. Our forefathers moved freely across these lands, united by trust and tradition.”

He emphasised that sustainable peace must be built from within communities and supported by inclusive leadership structures. He urged council members to take an active role in community engagement and mobilisation.

“Peace cannot be imported. It must begin within our communities. When elders speak, communities listen, and when leaders come together, people follow.”

He added that community participation remains central to the success of peace and development initiatives.

“No council, no government, and no institution can succeed without the people. Leadership now requires you to go back to the communities, engage them, and ensure they are part of this process.”

The PS also linked peace to development, saying the Government is implementing programmes to expand access to essential services, particularly in historically marginalised regions such as Turkana.

“At the heart of lasting peace is inclusive development. We must invest in hospitals, schools, and livelihoods to ensure that our people benefit from national progress.”

He stressed that no region is being left behind in national development planning.

“No region should be left behind. Turkana is part of Kenya, and development here is being prioritised just as it is across the country.”

He pointed to ongoing investments in housing, education infrastructure, and other public projects as part of efforts to improve livelihoods.

On civic participation, PS Omollo said progress has been made in the issuance of national identification documents and voter registration in border counties. He noted that restrictive vetting procedures previously affecting border communities have been removed, improving access to national documentation and participation.

“For the first time, border counties are no longer subjected to restrictive vetting processes. We have made it easier for citizens to obtain identification documents and participate fully in national processes.”

He praised Turkana County for leading in registration efforts and called for continued mobilisation to ensure full civic inclusion across the region.