Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has urged religious leaders to guard places of worship against divisive politics, saying churches should remain platforms for promoting peace, unity and national cohesion.

Speaking during a fundraiser for the construction of St Pascal Chiga Catholic Sub-Parish Centre in Homa Bay County on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Omollo said the Church had a responsibility to prevent its pulpits from being used to spread hatred, tribalism and political intolerance.

“Let us not desecrate our churches by allowing platforms meant for spiritual nourishment to be used to spread division and hatred. The Church must continue standing for truth, peace and unity,” Omollo said.

Divisive politics

Omollo said Kenya’s progress depended on leaders and citizens embracing inclusivity and rejecting politics that divide communities along ethnic, regional or political lines.

He urged political leaders to prioritise service delivery over rhetoric that undermines national cohesion.

The PS also defended President William Ruto’s development record, saying the government was implementing projects across the country without regard to political affiliation.

He said residents of the Nyanza region were benefiting from investments in roads, education and healthcare despite not overwhelmingly supporting the President in the 2022 General Election.

“For the first time, we have a president who is treating this country equally. It is possible for someone who is not one of you to be at the helm and still deliver for you even when you don’t vote for him,” Omollo said.

He argued that the administration had undertaken development projects in every region of the country, including Nyanza, Rift Valley, the Coast, Mount Kenya and North Eastern, saying no part of Kenya had been left behind.

SHA beneficiaries registered in Homa Bay

Omollo also urged Homa Bay residents to register under the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that only about 58 per cent of residents had enrolled.

He said higher registration would enable the government to better plan and provide healthcare services.

He further appealed to qualified Kenyans to apply for positions as chiefs and assistant chiefs, saying strengthening the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) structure would enhance service delivery and bring government services closer to wananchi.

Omollo also expressed confidence that President Ruto would seek and secure a second term in the 2027 General Election, arguing that the administration’s development record across the country would be the basis upon which Kenyans would make their decision.