Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has called for political tolerance among Kenyans and the political class.

Speaking in Migori on Sunday, May 4, 2025, Omollo noted the presence of political violence and intolerance in the country, especially in the Nyanza region.

“We’ve fairly had a very secure country, but from time to time we continue to have security challenges, and in this region, the biggest challenge is more of issues to do with political intolerance. It is my plea to the leaders of this region, that despite our political differences and persuation, we have a responsibility to keep this country together and to keep the region safe and secure for our mothers, sisters and even youths,” Omollo stated.

MP killed

Omollo has also warned politicians from the region against using the youth to cause chaos and division in the Nyanza region, following the death of Kasipul MP Charles Ong’ondo Were.

“As we stand here today, one of our Members of Parliament was assassinated. The police are on the trail of those who were involved. The Director of Criminal Investigations is doing everything to ensure that everyone involved is brought to book,” Omollo stated.

“We call for a firm embrace of political tolerance and a decisive end to the culture of violence and intimidation in our politics. When peace and unity become the foundation of our nation, the government is better positioned to roll out transformative development programs, particularly those aimed at empowering the youth and uplifting marginalized regions that have long been left behind.”

We call for a firm embrace of political tolerance and a decisive end to the culture of violence and intimidation in our politics.

When peace and unity become the foundation of our nation, the government is better positioned to roll out transformative development programs,… pic.twitter.com/IUhhPLicFn

— Dr. Raymond Omollo — CBS (@ray_omollo) May 4, 2025

This comes shortly after Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi spoke about the possibility of Were’s death being a case of political assassination.

“This is likely to be a political assassination. I am not an investigator, but I have very strong feelings,” he said in a statement on Saturday, May 3, 2025.

“There is violence taking root in Homa Bay and we must condemn it. It is not worth it. Don’t take the lives of our people because of a political seat. In Ndhiwa Constituency, people are attacking each other with pangas in the name of politicians,” Mbadi stated.

“To those politicians promoting violence in Homa Bay County, you must stop. You cannot force people to vote you into power or back to power. Please respect people’s choices, be democratic and persuade people to vote for you.”

“Ndhiwa is becoming a hotspot for violence, Kasipul must also be stopped. We will announce publicly that such politicians should not be associated with political parties we support. I cannot support a party where a leader in that party is behaving like a hooligan.”