Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo/FAITH MATETEPrincipal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has urged political leaders to stop shielding youths arrested following incidents of chaos at public and political gatherings.
He warned that security agencies should be allowed to take action in accordance with the law.
Omollo said the government would no longer tolerate groups of youths allegedly disrupting gatherings, adding that political leaders should not intervene to help those arrested avoid the legal process.
He claimed some leaders routinely sought to assist youths arrested over various alleged offences, a practice he said was undermining efforts to maintain law and order.
“No leader should receive calls or act on requests by youths to help them evade justice,” Omollo said.
The PS said political leaders should instead support security agencies in dealing with individuals suspected of causing violence and disorder, regardless of their political affiliations.
“Right now, leaders are afraid to attend any open gathering because they are wondering how they will exit after the event,” he said.
Omollo said the fear, he believes, has been created by rowdy groups during public gatherings should serve as a wake-up call for leaders and communities to confront the problem.
He assured security agencies of government support in maintaining law and order, while urging them to work closely with youth leaders to prevent violence before it occurs.
“To the youth, our security agencies will only work with you if you change your tact,” he said.
Speaking during an empowerment forum for youth groups drawn from seven constituencies in Homa Bay County, Omollo said the government was also seeking to change what he described as the negative perception associated with young people, particularly in the Nyanza region.
He challenged young people to take advantage of available opportunities and “rewrite their history”, warning that continued involvement in political violence was damaging their future.
Omollo also urged youths to avoid disrupting political events organised by their opponents, saying they should instead exercise restraint even when they disagree with the views of others.
“I want to tell you, if any opponent arrives in Homa Bay, you can choose to attend or not, but listen then walk away. Don’t cause chaos. Let us not fight them,” he said.
The empowerment programme, he said, is intended to equip young people with skills and resources to establish income-generating activities and reduce unemployment.
According to Omollo, the government has mapped 600 youth groups across Homa Bay County, with each group set to receive equipment worth Sh100,000 before the end of August.
He said the groups would determine the type of equipment they need based on their economic activities, with the government providing the selected items.
“The groups will meet and decide on what should be purchased, not more than or less than Sh100,000 per group,” he said.
Omollo said the initiative was part of government efforts to improve the welfare of young people and provide them with practical opportunities to earn a living.
He urged the youth to embrace the programme and use the support to build sustainable livelihoods instead of being drawn into political violence and alleged criminal activities.
Crowds during an empowerment programme in Homa Bay County.
