Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo has urged young people in Nyanza to resist being used by politicians to fuel violence ahead of the 2027 General Election, saying political competition should be peaceful and based on issues.
Omollo said all political leaders should be allowed to campaign freely and sell their agendas without intimidation, warning that violence only leaves communities counting losses in lives and property.
He called on young people to protect businesses, public transport operators and other economic activities from political disruptions, noting that insecurity creates fear and undermines livelihoods.
"When it comes to politics, 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.
Speaking during the commissioning of Manyatta B Police Station in Kisumu East, Omollo said voters should be allowed to make independent decisions on whom to elect or re-elect in the next polls.
He also declared his support for President William Ruto's re-election bid, saying the administration had delivered development projects in Nyanza 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.
Omollo added that the region's support for Ruto would be based on his administration's development record and its contribution to the wider 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.
Meanwhile, Omollo commended Kisumu East MP Shakeel Shabir for partnering with the national government to improve security infrastructure through the construction and equipping of police facilities.
He said the collaboration between the national government and the constituency had helped bring police services closer to residents.
He added that Manyatta Police Station was the second police facility he had been invited to commission by Shabir, following an earlier engagement at Kasagam.
Those present at the event included 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 strengthen security in the ward and neighbouring areas, including Kondele and Kolwa Central, by improving access to police services and reducing emergency response times.
The facility will also support crime reporting, investigations and police patrols while providing residents with an accessible point to report suspicious activities and work with law enforcement officers.
Its establishment is expected to help tackle offences such as robbery, burglary and assault while creating a safer environment for traders, businesses, students and other residents.
In his remarks, Shabir thanked the national government for its cooperation and reaffirmed his support for President Ruto, saying Kisumu East remained firmly behind 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 said the constituency had overwhelmingly supported Ruto in the last election and wanted the President to know that he continued to enjoy its backing.
