Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo has called on Kenyans to exercise their constitutional rights peacefully and responsibly, warning that violence, destruction of property and lawlessness threaten national development and undermine years of economic and social progress.
Speaking during the Prize Giving Day at Chinga Boys Senior School in Nyeri County, Dr. Omollo said the country’s democratic gains can only be sustained through responsible citizenship, respect for the rule of law and peaceful civic engagement.
He noted that while the Constitution guarantees freedoms such as expression, demonstration, picketing and petitioning public authorities, those rights must be exercised within the law and with respect for the rights and safety of others.
“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 PS strongly condemned incidents of violence, looting, destruction of property and attacks on innocent citizens during demonstrations, emphasizing that criminal activities should not be disguised as the exercise of constitutional freedoms.
“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 said.
Dr. Omollo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms while maintaining law and order, stating that security agencies would continue facilitating lawful civic engagement while taking decisive action against criminal behavior.
He called on political leaders, parents, teachers, religious leaders and communities to promote a culture of 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.
Education Remains Top Government Priority
The Internal Security PS used the occasion to reiterate the government’s commitment to education, describing it as a critical pillar of national development and social transformation.
He revealed that the education sector continues to receive the largest share of the national budget, with more than KSh 740 billion allocated in the current financial year, compared to approximately KSh 500 billion when the Kenya Kwanza administration took office.
According to Dr. Omollo, the increased funding reflects the government’s recognition of education as a key driver of opportunity, social mobility and economic prosperity.
“Education is the greatest equaliser. It is through education that we equip our young people with the knowledge, skills and values they need to build a better future for themselves and for the country,” he said.
He noted that beyond recruiting teachers, the government has invested heavily in school infrastructure to support the transition to Senior School under the Competency-Based Education (CBE) framework.
The PS also highlighted the importance of bursaries provided through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and other support programmes in helping learners from disadvantaged backgrounds remain in school.
Students Urged to Embrace Discipline and Integrity
Addressing students directly, Dr. Omollo challenged them to uphold discipline, integrity and respect, arguing that success is determined not only by academic performance but also by character.
“Knowledge alone is not enough. Character matters. Integrity matters. Discipline matters. Respect matters. The future belongs not only to those who are educated but also to those who are responsible,” he said.
He urged learners to reject drug and substance abuse, alcohol consumption, bullying and other harmful behaviours that could derail their future.
The Principal Secretary further emphasized the need to strengthen school safety, describing learning institutions as critical spaces for nurturing future leaders and responsible citizens.
“Our schools must remain safe spaces. No parent should have to worry about the safety of their child while they are in school. As we invest in infrastructure and learning resources, we must also invest in mentorship, guidance and positive engagement with our children,” he said.
Dr. Omollo noted that recent incidents in some schools had underscored the need for closer collaboration among parents, teachers, school administrators and communities to safeguard learners and support their holistic development.
He commended Chinga Boys Senior School for its contribution to academic excellence, leadership development and character formation, describing the institution as a model of successful partnership between parents, teachers, students, alumni and the wider community.
The PS congratulated students who received awards during the ceremony and expressed confidence that the school would continue producing responsible leaders committed to serving the nation with integrity.
“The nation we build tomorrow depends on the character, discipline and sense of responsibility we nurture today. That is why education, school safety and responsible citizenship must remain a shared responsibility for all Kenyans,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Energy Alex Wachira and other local leaders also attended the event.
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