PS Raymond Omollo urges churches to reject leaders who spread hatred, tribalism and division

Principal Secretary for Internal Security Raymond Omollo has urged religious institutions to safeguard the sanctity of places of worship by rejecting leaders who use church platforms to promote division, hatred, tribalism and political intolerance.

Speaking during a church service at St. Pascal Catholic Church in Chiga, Homa Bay County, on Sunday, Omollo called on the Church to remain a champion of peace, truth, unity and national cohesion.

“Let us not desecrate our churches by allowing platforms meant for spiritual nourishment to be used to spread division and hatred. The Church must continue standing for truth, peace and unity,” he said.

He noted that the Church plays a vital role in shaping values, nurturing responsible citizens and fostering harmony within communities, adding that it has a duty to speak out against misinformation, hatred and actions that threaten national unity.

Omollo also praised the Catholic Church for its longstanding contribution to national development through investments in education, healthcare and social services, describing it as one of the government's strongest partners in improving the well-being of communities across the country.

He said Catholic-sponsored schools, hospitals and community programmes have complemented government efforts to expand access to essential services while promoting moral values among citizens.

The PS, who was accompanied by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Senator Oburu Odinga, Medical Services Principal Secretary Dr Ouma Oluga, Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma, Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang', Migori Woman Representative Fatuma Mohammed, Nyando MP Jared Okelo, Nicholas Gumbo, Joshua Aduma, Lake Basin Development Authority Managing Director Wycliffe Ochiaga and several Members of County Assembly, said Kenya's progress depends on leaders and citizens embracing inclusivity and rejecting politics that divide communities along ethnic, regional or political lines.

He urged leaders at all levels to prioritise service delivery and development over divisive politics, saying the country's future depends on preserving peace, stability and national cohesion.