UGUNJA, Siaya County — Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned political leaders against involving young people in violent confrontations, urging the youth to reject attempts to use them to settle political disputes.
Omollo said political disagreements should not result in loss of lives or destruction of property, cautioning leaders against exploiting young people for political gain.
Speaking during the funeral of a senior educationist in Ugunja, Siaya County, the PS challenged the youth to avoid being drawn into acts of violence, saying they should instead focus on opportunities that improve their livelihoods.
“Let’s not use our young people to settle our political scores. Things that lead to loss of lives and destruction of property must be avoided,” Omollo said.
His remarks come amid renewed political activity across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders increasingly engaging young voters who form a significant part of Kenya’s electorate.
Omollo said the government remained focused on improving access to essential services, citing healthcare, education and grassroots administration as key areas of investment.
He announced that Sikalame Division in Siaya County was being operationalised, with a new Sub-County Commissioner expected to assume office to bring government services closer to citizens.
The PS added that the government was recruiting chiefs and assistant chiefs for newly created locations and sub-locations to strengthen administration at the grassroots level.
Acknowledging that Siaya has fewer administrative units compared to neighbouring counties, Omollo said the region would receive priority during the next phase of creating and gazetting new administrative units.
“We have discussed with the Cabinet Secretary, your Member of Parliament and the county leadership that in the next round of gazettement of new administrative units, Siaya will be given priority so that residents can access government services more easily,” he said.
On healthcare, Omollo said registration under the Social Health Authority (SHA) programme in Siaya stood at about 52 percent, compared to nearly 70 percent in neighbouring Kisumu County.
He urged local leaders and residents to increase mobilisation efforts to ensure more people enrol in the programme and benefit from government-supported healthcare services.
The PS also called on parents to ensure their children remain in school, saying education remains critical in preparing young people for future employment opportunities.
He said the government was investing in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip young people with practical skills needed in the labour market.
“Education is the greatest equaliser. Let us ensure all our children benefit from the resources the government has dedicated to education because we are building the human resource needed for the country’s future,” Omollo said.
