LODWAR, Turkana 10th April -The Interior Security and National Administration Ministry has declared zero tolerance for criminal gangs and political violence, following a brazen attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in Kisumu.
Speaking in Lodwar, Turkana County, Principal Secretary for Internal Security, Dr Raymond Omollo, condemned the Wednesday incident where the senator was attacked by goons at a restaurant.
“Criminal gangs and political goonism are a national challenge and will not be tolerated. Any individual or leader who engages in or facilitates such acts will be held accountable in accordance with the law,” Dr Omollo declared.
The PS emphasised that the Osotsi case is not isolated, with various parts of the country grappling with similar challenges.
“It is unfortunate what happened to Osotsi, and the police are acting to ensure all the culpable individuals are brought to book,” he reaffirmed.
Police have already arrested three suspects, who appeared in court today and were remanded for seven more days to allow the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to complete its probe.
Dr Omollo warned that leaders who use or facilitate goons must be held accountable, adding that the ministry is drafting workable solutions to mitigate the emerging threat.
“As a ministry and following the pronouncement of the President, we will firmly deal with the emerging criminal gangs,” the PS said, wishing Senator Osotsi a speedy recovery.
Beyond political violence, Dr Omollo confirmed that the government has intensified disarmament operations to tackle armed groups, banditry, and cattle rustling affecting pastoral communities.
“The ongoing disarmament operation is part of our broader security intervention to ensure that illegal firearms are removed from circulation and do not remain in the wrong hands,” he explained.
The mop-up exercise has yielded significant recoveries and will continue until the threat is fully addressed.
The PS was in Turkana for the official launch of the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter, a community-driven platform bringing together Ateker communities from Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan, and Ethiopia to strengthen cross-border peace and development.
“Today, we have officially launched and operationalised the Ateker Leaders Council – Kenya Chapter to drive lasting solutions on peace, security, and development,” Dr Omollo said.
He assured that development in Turkana is being prioritised, with investments in hospitals, schools, and affordable housing, adding that restrictive vetting processes for identification documents in border counties have been removed.
