Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has cautioned against violent demonstrations ahead of the planned June 25 protests.
The PS reaffirms that while the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble and demonstrate, the government will not tolerate criminal conduct during such activities.
Speaking at Oriwo Boys National School in Karachuonyo Constituency during a thanksgiving ceremony marking the institution’s elevation to C1 status, Dr Omollo said peaceful picketing and petitioning of authorities remain protected rights under the Constitution, but emphasised that demonstrators must remain unarmed and respect the rights of other citizens.
“Those who plan to go to the streets on June 25 have a constitutional right to demonstrate, and as a government, we will defend those rights as enshrined in the Constitution. However, the moment you are armed, you become a criminal, and the law is very clear on that,” he said.
He added that the government will also safeguard citizens who choose not to participate in the demonstrations, ensuring they are able to go about their daily activities without disruption or intimidation.
The Principal Secretary used the occasion to highlight government investments in the education sector, noting that it has received the largest share of the national budget under President William Ruto’s administration.
“Under President Ruto, the biggest budget allocation has been dedicated to education because of the value the President attaches to the sector,” he said.
Omollo described ongoing reforms in education as unprecedented, citing the recruitment of 100,000 teachers over the past three years and continued efforts to ensure learners remain in school and receive quality education.
“It is not acceptable that after dedicating so many resources to educating our children, they remain at home instead of being in school,” he said.
During the event, the PS also launched the construction of a modern ICT hub at the school. He said the facility will promote digital learning, innovation and skills development in line with the government’s agenda of expanding opportunities in the modern economy.
He noted that the investment in digital infrastructure is part of broader efforts to ensure learners are equipped with relevant competencies to compete in a technology-driven world.
On matters of school safety, Omollo urged parents, teachers, community leaders and local administrators to work closely to prevent cases of unrest and destruction of school property.
He pointed to past incidents of school fires, including the tragedy at Utumishi Girls Academy, urging communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities that could endanger learners.
“As a society, we have a big responsibility. In many cases, students pick up such behaviours from us. As parents and citizens, we must be intentional in nurturing discipline and good values among our children,” he said.
He called for strengthened collaboration to instil discipline and accountability among young people, emphasising the role of families and communities in shaping behaviour.
The Interior PS also praised President Ruto’s leadership, describing him as a transformational leader committed to equitable development across the country.
He said government projects in education, infrastructure, and electricity connectivity are being implemented uniformly in all regions.
“What is happening in education is not only in Homa Bay but also in Nyeri, Mombasa, Wajir and across the country,” he said.
Omollo reiterated that the government’s development agenda seeks to eliminate regional disparities and ensure no Kenyan feels marginalised.
He further urged officers under the Ministry of Interior to strengthen public engagement and educate citizens on government programmes, including registration for Universal Health Coverage, to ensure more people benefit from national initiatives.
