In the wake of last Wednesday’s riots in parts of the country, the government has now turned to parents, religious leaders, and elders to guide the younger generation to exercise restraint and embrace peaceful, constructive ways of demanding accountability from the government.
Interior Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo has called on senior members of society to be more active in the lives of the youth and help them nurture a steadfast respect for our institutions and systems, which are the foundation of mature and civilized democracies.
His remarks come against the backdrop of waves of unrest that culminated in violent demonstrations in June 2024 and the ugly scenes witnessed last week.
“Please let’s counsel our children when they go astray,” he said. “Kenya is a country of laws, and those who feel aggrieved have a right to vent within the bounds of our laws.”
Speaking during the official opening of Mutarakwa and Kapletundo Divisions in Bomet County, Dr. Omollo condemned the violent confrontations with police officers and looting of businesses, warning that Kenya is not yet immune from anarchy.
Referencing the destruction of public and private property, including the burning of police stations and security vehicles, the PS warned that those found culpable will bear individual responsibility.
He said, “We will arraign a couple of individuals in court this week. Do not allow selfish politicians and individuals to use you as pawns. They will not be there when the law catches up with you.”
Dr. Omollo also cautioned that a handful of criminals have hijacked Gen Z’s genuine call for a more inclusive and accountable system of governance, turning legitimate demands for justice into organized attempts at anarchy.
Further, he observed that the recent unrest has exposed the fragility of Kenya’s democratic gains and urged politicians against misusing young people and weaponizing their vulnerabilities to push the country into turmoil.
“Democracy cannot be reduced to periodic elections alone. It demands continuous nurturing through strong institutions, civic education, and genuine political accountability. We cannot achieve this through violent activism or without supporting our leaders and working together to find solutions to our problems,” he stated.
“We are breeding a pervasive culture of impunity when we allow such actions to go unchallenged,” he emphasized. “If you have a problem with the current leaders, the elections are barely two years away, and you will have an opportunity to seek wananchi’s mandate to implement your vision and agenda for our country.”
Dr. Omollo urged legislators to review Article 37 of the Constitution to facilitate peaceful protests and safeguard these avenues against infiltration by criminal elements intent on causing destruction and looting.
New administrative unit
During the event, Dr. Omollo announced that the Ministry has gazetted 1,105 new administrative units in the 2024/25 financial year. These include 24 new sub-counties, 88 divisions, 318 locations, and 675 sub-locations.
The newly inaugurated Mutarakwa Division (Bomet Central Constituency) and Kapletundo Division (Sotik Constituency) are among the early beneficiaries.
He added that the Ministry has developed a Cabinet memorandum and policy framework outlining clear criteria for the decentralization of government services to ensure each administrative unit has at least two lower-level divisions.
The new administrative units will increase the government’s presence at the grassroots level, ensuring that services are more accessible and responsive to the needs of all Kenyans.
