Interior Principal Secretary (PS), Dr Raymond Omollo, has urged residents of the Nyanza region to support President William Ruto ‘s development initiative, saying the Head of State has demonstrated commitment to equitable development through projects implemented in the region.

Dr Omollo commended President Ruto for his quest for equitable development agenda, arguing that development should be guided by the needs of citizens, rather than their political affiliations.

Speaking during the official opening of Manyatta ‘B’ Police Station in Kisumu East Sub-county on Friday, the PS said the President had demonstrated responsible servant leadership, by initiating development programmes without being pressured to do so by regional political leaders.

“We did not put pressure on him to build our roads, to hire our teachers, to resolve or to streamline our healthcare system. He has done so because that is what good leadership is,” he stressed.

He maintained that the government’s development record should form the basis of political engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election, rather than demands for political concessions or negotiated positions.

“President William Ruto has done a lot for the people of Nyanza. He is rolling-out projects in this region, not because he has been coerced to do so, but because he understands that good leadership demands equitable development,” Dr Omollo said.

His remarks come amid growing debate within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over calls for a pre-election agreement, with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), with sections of the Party demanding an arrangement that would define its share of positions in a possible post-election government.

The PS appeared to distance himself from the demands for political negotiations, saying residents should assess the Administration on the basis of its development record.

He cited road construction, recruitment of teachers, improvements in healthcare and other infrastructure projects as evidence of the government’s commitment to the region.

Among the road projects he highlighted were the Chiga-Rabuor Road and the Mamboleo-Chemelil-Miwani Road in Kisumu County.

Dr Omollo also used the occasion to outline measures being undertaken by the government to strengthen security in Kisumu East, which he noted, had experienced security challenges.

He said the government was strengthening police operations through increased funding, provision of modern equipment, recruitment of additional officers and enhanced training as part of ongoing reforms in the National Police Service.

The PS disclosed that more than 10,000 police recruits had completed training and graduated within the past year, before being deployed to different parts of the country.

He said two newly trained officers had been posted to Manyatta ‘B’ Police Station, to reinforce security operations and improve service delivery.

Dr Omollo further appealed to Members of Parliament, to support a proposed additional budgetary allocation to the National Police Service, to facilitate the recruitment of at least 5,000 more officers.

He said the additional personnel, would help address existing staffing gaps and strengthen the government’s capacity to protect its citizens.

The PS announced that the government was working towards enrolling all village elders under the Social Health Authority (SHA), in recognition of their contribution to community leadership, peacebuilding and dispute resolution.

He said the government had introduced a monthly stipend of Sh3,000 for village elders, to appreciate their role in resolving disputes and maintaining peace at the grassroots.

“For the first time, village elders are receiving a monthly stipend of Sh3,000 to appreciate their efforts in resolving matters that are critical to our communities. We are currently looking into ensuring that they are all covered under the Social Health Authority,” he said.

The PS said the welfare programme, was part of broader government efforts to improve the livelihoods of community leaders, while strengthening grassroots administration.

He urged political leaders and their supporters to exercise restraint as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum, warning against violence and destruction of property arising from political competition.

Dr Omollo said political differences should not be allowed to degenerate into confrontations among young people, adding that every Kenyan had a right to express political opinions and support candidates of their choice.

“We expect that during this electioneering period, as leaders, compete for political seats, it cannot be the reason why our young people will have to fight against each other, lose lives and lose property,” he said.

He maintained that the electorate would ultimately determine the country’s political leadership through the ballot, urging residents, to embrace peaceful political engagement.

Manyatta ‘B’ Police Station was officially commissioned during the event attended by Kisumu East MP, Shakeel Shabbir.

The new facility is expected to strengthen police presence in the area and improve security service delivery to residents.

By Faith Lumumba