Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned individuals planning to cause chaos along the Kenya–Tanzania border that they will face the full force of the law.
Speaking amid rising tensions following protests across the border, Dr Omollo urged Kenyans to remain calm and allow law enforcement agencies to handle any emerging issues within the confines of the law.
“I wouldn’t want to speak about what is happening in Tanzania, but I can speak about Kenya on matters of security. As a country, we have laws and rules that guide demonstrations or protests. Let’s do what the law allows us to do,” he said.
Tanzanians queue to cast their votes during the general election at a polling station in Dar es Salaam on October 29, 2025.
Photo credit: Reuters
The PS emphasised that while Kenya respects Tanzania’s sovereignty, any acts that undermine public order or threaten cross-border peace will not be tolerated.
“For our friends in Tanzania, we believe they have laws governing their country. They are our friendly neighbours and we wish them well. Anything outside the law, on the Kenyan side, we will deal with it firmly,” Dr Omollo said, appealing to Kenyans not to take matters into their own hands.
He added that officers manning Kenya’s border points are competent and adequately equipped to advise on emerging security and trade issues.
An injured man is carried away following protests in Tanzania during the country's elections on October 29, 2025.
Photo credit: BBC
The PS cautioned residents along the border against participating in or supporting demonstrations inspired by Tanzanian political developments, noting that security agencies are on high alert to maintain peace and facilitate trade and business.
“Our police are competent enough to deal with any situation in Kenya,” he said, urging traders and travellers to cooperate with authorities at border posts.
An injured man is carried away following protests in Tanzania during the country's elections on October 29, 2025.
Photo credit: BBC
His remarks come after viral videos showed Kenyans expressing solidarity with Tanzanian protesters opposed to what they describe as an oppressive administration under President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr Omollo spoke at the Kenya School of Government in Mombasa after visiting the Joint Operations Centre, where he reviewed security and trade activities at the port.
He noted a significant increase in cargo volumes handled at the Port of Mombasa, attributing it to government interventions aimed at improving efficiency along the Northern Corridor.
“We have seen a marked improvement in the movement of goods, and various agencies are working to fast-track operations,” he said, adding that updates from Port Health indicate increased activity and coordination at entry points.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo in Mombasa on October 30, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation
The PS cited the recent seizure of an Iranian vessel at sea with 1,024 kilogrammes of methamphetamine as one of the successes of enhanced multi-agency coordination at border points.
“Legal processes are ongoing, and we will do what must be done according to the law,” he said.
Security personnel in Tanzania during the general election on October 29, 2025.
Photo credit: BBC
Dr Omollo, however, called for the upgrade and completion of key points of entry including those along Somalia, Ethiopia, Uganda (Busia, Malaba, and Suam) to enhance trade facilitation and security.
“Our borders are still porous and are becoming attractive points for illicit trade,” he said, noting that the government is fast-tracking the completion of the stalled projects.
The PS added that the Ministry of Health has placed teams on high alert to manage health-related threats, including Mpox, and to respond swiftly to potential outbreaks.
“All agencies are on the lookout, and the coordination at the borders continues to improve,” he said.
