Intolerance, hooliganism acts have no place in Kenya – PS

Interior PS Raymond Omollo has said political intolerance and acts of hooliganism have no place in modern Kenya.

Omollo said the security agencies will not hesitate to firmly deal with those who disobey the law in the guise of "peaceful" demonstrations.

He spoke at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in Bondo on Wednesday.

The PS who met chiefs and their assistants described it as primitive use of violence to seek out political differences.

Omollo said the law must be obeyed by all Kenyans.

"We must abide by the rule of the law. Na sio tafadhali. There is no debate about this," he said.

He said if demonstrations happen, they must be peaceful.

"It can not be that we turn to the use of violence to deal with those who have contrary political views or positions to yours. That's the most primitive thing to do," the PS said.

He said the mayhem, which was witnessed across the country during protests was caused by criminal elements who took advantage of the protests to break the law.

Omollo noted that the situation was made worse by political statements.

"If we stone police officers, vandalise police stations and destroy police vehicles, where are we headed as a country?" he posed.

"The point of call by the public, whenever we have a problem, is police stations and chief camps, we run to these very officers we stone and whose homes we torch." 

The PS said Kenyans need to ask themselves whether that is the route they want the country to take.

Omollo also appealed to the Opposition to ensure any future protests are peaceful and those taking part are unarmed as prescribed by the 2010 Constitution.

The PS directed that those organising protests must notify the police in good time, state routes and the time when protests are expected to end.

"We must do whatever it takes to ensure the use of violence to communicate is discarded. It can't be, in this time and age, if you fail to persuade Kenyans to see things your way, you turn to violence. It is the most primitive thing to do," he said.

Omollo also appealed to the media to remain objective and impartial when covering the demonstrations.

The PS also took time to appreciate all the security officers countrywide noting that they perform a critical role in delivering service to the people.

"You play a critical role. Your mandate is critical to the administration of President William Ruto," he said.

The president, he noted, appreciates the work of security agencies adding that they have his support and backing while performing their roles.

He urged the security officers to remain vigilant at all times adding that offenders will be taken through the criminal justice system after following the due process.

"You also have to conduct yourselves professionally and within the law. You are the face of the government and as a security agency, we bore the greatest loss and toll during the protests," he said.

Earlier the PS visited the home of Bondo chief Walter Omollo whose house was torched during the demonstrations.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo, Nyanza regional commissioner Flora Mworoa, Nyanza regional police commander Manasseh Musyuoka and other government officials accompanied the PS.