By Peter John

Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo has called on political leaders to exercise restraint and promote peaceful engagement, warning that rising incidents of violence threaten Kenya’s democratic space ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Lodwar, Turkana County, on Friday, Omollo addressed the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, wishing him a quick recovery while urging leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their supporters.

“It is very unfortunate what happened to Osotsi, and I would like to wish him well, but the point is, everyone or any leader who uses goons for criminal purposes must be held accountable,” he said.

Rising concern over political violence

Omollo expressed concern over what he described as a growing trend of violence during political engagements, warning that it is eroding democratic values and undermining constructive public discourse.

“The use of violence has increasingly come to define our political engagement, a development that threatens the core of our democratic discourse,” he stated.

He noted that the government is taking firm measures to address the situation and restore order across the country.

“The Government is taking firm and deliberate measures to curb this trend and restore order,” he added.

The Principal Secretary urged politicians and their supporters to abandon confrontational tactics and instead embrace peaceful and responsible participation in public affairs.

“We urge political leaders to abandon divisive and confrontational approaches and instead embrace responsible and peaceful engagement,” he said.

Warning against use of youth in violence

Omollo also cautioned leaders against mobilising young people to engage in violent activities, saying such actions expose them to harm and jeopardise their future.

“We further caution against the mobilisation of youth for acts of violence and call for their redirection towards meaningful and constructive opportunities that safeguard their future and the stability of the nation,” he said.

Murkomen orders crackdown on gangs

Omollo’s remarks come in the wake of directives issued by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who condemned the attack on Osotsi and ordered a crackdown on criminal gangs linked to political activities.

Murkomen directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take swift action against individuals involved in orchestrating violence.

“I want to ask the IG Kanja to move with speed and arrest all those boys being used in the functions so that then it will become a proper example that they believe in this issue of fighting gangs,” Murkomen said.

The Cabinet Secretary also challenged opposition leaders to denounce violence and cooperate with government efforts to eliminate politically sponsored gangs.

As political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 polls, authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring law and order, warning that those found culpable in sponsoring or engaging in violence will face the full force of the law.