Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo has called on Kenyans to embrace responsible citizenship and respect for the rule of law, saying peaceful civic engagement is essential for safeguarding the country’s democracy, stability and economic progress.
Speaking during the Prize Giving Day at Chinga Boys High School in Nyeri County, PS Omollo urged citizens to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly.
Omollo warned that violence, destruction of property and lawlessness during demonstrations undermine national development and erode gains achieved through years of investment and collective effort.
“The Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to express themselves, to demonstrate, to picket and to petition public authorities. However, those rights must be exercised peacefully, lawfully and in a manner that respects the rights and safety of others,” he said.
The Interior Principal Secretary noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedoms such as expression, assembly, picketing and petitioning public authorities, those rights must be exercised in a manner that respects the rights and safety of others.
“There is a clear distinction between peaceful demonstrations and criminal acts. Burning businesses, looting property, attacking fellow citizens and destroying public infrastructure does not advance any cause. It only undermines the livelihoods of hardworking Kenyans and weakens the foundations upon which our nation is built,” he added.
PS Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional rights while maintaining law and order, adding that security agencies will continue facilitating lawful civic engagement while taking action against criminal activities.
He also called on political leaders, parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities to work together in promoting responsibility, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
“As we build our country, let us choose dialogue over destruction, responsibility over recklessness and unity over division. The values we demonstrate today will shape the character of the next generation and determine the future of our nation,” he said.
The remarks come as the country prepares to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.
On Thursday June 18, a group of protest victims marched to Jogoo House to submit a formal application seeking permission to hold a peaceful procession scheduled for June 25, 2026.
The victims said the planned commemoration is intended to honour those who died during the June 2024 anti-government protests, stressing that the event will be peaceful.
