HOMA BAY, Kenya- Interior Principal Secretary for Internal Security Dr Raymond Omollo has urged religious leaders not to allow churches to be used as platforms for divisive politics, saying places of worship should promote peace, unity and national cohesion.
Speaking during a church service at St. Pascal Catholic Church in Chiga, Homa Bay County, on Sunday, Omollo said churches have a responsibility to safeguard their pulpits from leaders who spread hatred, tribalism and political intolerance.
“The Church should not provide a platform for leaders who preach division, hatred and tribalism,” the Principal Secretary said.
He urged clergy to ensure that places of worship remain centres of spiritual nourishment and moral guidance rather than venues for political rhetoric that could undermine national unity.
“Let us not desecrate our churches by allowing platforms meant for spiritual nourishment to be used to spread division and hatred. The Church must continue standing for truth, peace and unity,” he said.
Omollo said the Church plays a critical role in shaping values, nurturing responsible citizens and fostering harmony within communities. He called on religious institutions to speak out against misinformation, hate speech and actions that threaten the country’s cohesion.
The Principal Secretary also urged political leaders to prioritise development and service delivery over divisive politics, saying Kenya’s progress depends on inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens regardless of their ethnic or political backgrounds.
He commended the Catholic Church for its longstanding contribution to national development through investments in education, healthcare and social services, noting that church-sponsored institutions have complemented government efforts to improve access to essential services.
Omollo further praised President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as an inclusive development agenda aimed at ensuring all parts of the country benefit from government programmes irrespective of political affiliation.
He said religious institutions remain key partners in promoting peaceful coexistence and strengthening national unity.
The church service was attended by several national and county leaders, including Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Medical Services Principal Secretary Ouma Oluga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, Nyando MP Jared Okelo, former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma, former Kisumu Senator Fred Outa, former Rarieda MP Nicholas Gumbo, Joshua Aduma, Lake Basin Development Authority Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga and members of county assemblies.