Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to political leaders in Migori County, calling for restraint amid escalating political tensions that have recently rocked the region.
In a firm but measured address, the soft-spoken PS urged Migori politicians to rein in their supporters and embrace tolerance, warning that the national government would not allow leaders to fuel unrest for political mileage.
Migori County was last week embroiled in fierce clashes between supporters of Governor Ochillo Ayacko and his political rival, Suna West MP Peter Masara.
The confrontations left scores injured and one person dead, heightening concerns over rising political hostility ahead of the official campaign period.
Dr. Omollo dismissed claims of police negligence during the melee, terming the security breach a calculated move by sections of the political class to destabilize the county.
“You cannot fuel violence as politicians and expect police to come in handy. You have to exercise restraint and political tolerance.
Kenya has a paltry 110,000 security officers policing close to 55 million Kenyans and it’s incumbent upon politicians to tame their supporters. We will not sit back and watch them fan violence then call on the police to quell it,” he said.
The PS was responding to earlier accusations by Uriri MP Mark Nyamita who had alleged laxity on the part of security agencies.
The remarks were made during a public function attended by Governor Ayacko, MPs Masara, Nyamita, Elisha Odhiambo, and several other leaders from the region.
Migori County has in recent years experienced periodic bouts of political intolerance, often manifesting in confrontations between rival camps during public gatherings and development tours.
Competition for political dominance, especially between sitting office holders and emerging challengers, has frequently spilled into public spats, protests, and at times violence.
The rivalry between Governor Ayacko and MP Masara reflects a broader pattern of factional politics within the county, where alignments shift rapidly and local contests are often personalized.
Public events have occasionally turned chaotic, with leaders trading accusations and supporters engaging in stone-throwing and physical altercations.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned against premature campaigns and inflammatory rhetoric, noting that heightened political temperatures threaten stability and development in the county.
National government officials have emphasized that while political competition is a constitutional right, it must be exercised within the confines of the law to prevent further loss of life and property.
Dr. Omollo’s intervention signals renewed efforts by the Interior Ministry to contain rising tensions and restore calm as the country gradually inches toward the next electoral cycle.
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