NAIROBI, Kenya- Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to political leaders against hiring goons to fuel violence, even as he faces accusations linking him to such activities.
Speaking amid rising political tensions, Omollo said the government will not tolerate leaders who sponsor violence, intimidation, and disorder for political gain.
He urged politicians to embrace peaceful engagement and respect the rule of law.
“We must intentionally break away from the destructive politics of violence,” Omollo said, warning that security agencies will take firm action against those found culpable.
His remarks come against the backdrop of recent incidents of political violence, including disruptions of rallies and attacks on leaders, which have raised concern over the growing use of hired gangs in Kenya’s political landscape.
However, Omollo has himself come under sharp criticism from sections of the opposition, with some leaders accusing him of being behind goon attacks in various parts of the country.
“The use of violence has increasingly come to define our political engagement, a development that threatens the core of our democratic discourse. The Government is taking firm and deliberate measures to curb this trend and restore order,” Omollo said.
“At the same time, we urge political leaders to abandon divisive and confrontational approaches and instead embrace responsible and peaceful engagement. 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.”
In one such incident, organisers of a political rally alleged that state-linked operatives had sponsored violence to disrupt their event, claims that have been strongly denied by security agencies, who instead blamed rival political actors.
Despite the accusations, the Interior Ministry has maintained that it remains committed to maintaining peace and protecting democratic freedoms, insisting that no individual is above the law.
Omollo reiterated that any cases of political violence must be reported and handled through legal channels, warning that perpetrator, regardless of their affiliations, will face the full force of the law.
The developments highlight the intensifying political contestation ahead of the 2027 General Election, where concerns over security and electoral integrity are increasingly taking centre stage.
