Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to government officers against demanding bribes from members of the public in exchange for free government services. He has also called on residents of Khwisero and Kisa West in Kakamega County to work closely with security agencies and local administrators to eliminate the manufacture and sale of illegal alcoholic drinks.

Omollo delivered the message during his engagements with government administrators, security officers and community members in Khwisero Constituency, where the government is strengthening its administrative structures and addressing security challenges affecting local residents.

His remarks centred on two major issues: the need for integrity and accountability among public officers and the importance of community cooperation in fighting illicit alcohol, which continues to raise concerns about public health, security and the future of young people.

The PS emphasised that government services should be accessible to every Kenyan without discrimination or unnecessary financial demands. He reminded public officers that their responsibility is to serve citizens rather than use their positions to exploit people seeking assistance.One of the important messages associated with Omollo's engagement was his warning against government officers who demand money from citizens for services that are supposed to be provided free of charge.

The warning highlights the government's expectation that public servants should conduct themselves professionally and respect the rights of the people they serve.

Bribery remains a concern in public service because it can prevent ordinary citizens from accessing services to which they are entitled. People seeking government assistance should not be forced to pay unofficial charges simply because they need help from an administrative office.

For residents in rural areas, this problem can be particularly challenging. Some citizens may have limited financial resources, while others may not understand the procedures for accessing particular government services. When officers demand unofficial payments, vulnerable members of the public can find themselves unable to obtain assistance.Omollo's message therefore reinforces the importance of integrity, transparency and accountability in government administration.

Government officers are expected to explain procedures clearly, treat residents fairly and ensure that public services are delivered according to established regulations.

The warning also places responsibility on supervisors and senior administrators to monitor the conduct of officers working under them. Government institutions should have proper mechanisms for receiving complaints and addressing misconduct.

Citizens should also be encouraged to report suspected bribery through appropriate official channels rather than accepting unofficial payments as a normal requirement for receiving public services.Omollo further emphasised the importance of ensuring that government services reach all citizens regardless of their economic background, political affiliation or social status.

His message is particularly important in areas such as Khwisero and Kisa West, where grassroots administrative offices play an important role in connecting residents with the national government.

The government administration structure includes county commissioners, deputy county commissioners, assistant county commissioners, chiefs and assistant chiefs. These officers are expected to help coordinate government programmes, address security concerns and ensure that residents can access public services.

According to reports from the engagement, Omollo challenged administrators to uphold integrity, accountability and inclusivity in their daily responsibilities.He also stressed that public officers should understand that their positions are a responsibility to the community rather than an opportunity to enrich themselves.

The warning against bribery is also a reminder that public confidence in government institutions depends partly on how citizens are treated when they visit government offices.

When services are delivered fairly, residents are more likely to cooperate with administrators, report security concerns and participate in government programmes.Call for unity between Khwisero and Kisa West in fighting illegal alcohol

Another major issue raised by Omollo was the increasing concern about illicit alcohol in parts of Khwisero and Kisa West.

The PS called on residents from the two areas to unite and work closely with security officers to eliminate illegal alcoholic drinks.

He noted that fighting illicit alcohol should not be left to police officers and government administrators alone. Community members, local leaders, parents, religious organisations and other stakeholders must also participate.

According to a report on November 6, 2026, Omollo said the government had made significant progress in addressing livestock theft in Kisa West, with illegal alcohol remaining among the outstanding security concerns.The appeal for cooperation reflects the importance of addressing security problems through a partnership between government institutions and local communities.

Residents are often familiar with activities taking place within their neighbourhoods. They may have information about illegal alcohol production, distribution networks and businesses operating outside the law.

Sharing credible information with security agencies can help authorities identify individuals involved in the illegal trade and take appropriate action.

However, Omollo's call for cooperation also means that communities should avoid taking the law into their own hands. Suspected offenders should be reported to the relevant authorities, who are responsible for investigating allegations and enforcing the law.The fight against illicit alcohol is particularly important because of its potential impact on young people.

Alcohol abuse can interfere with education, employment opportunities, family relationships and community development. Young people who become dependent on alcohol may experience difficulties concentrating on their studies, maintaining employment and making responsible decisions.

The problem becomes more dangerous when consumers are exposed to illegally manufactured or poorly regulated alcoholic products.

Such products may contain harmful substances or unsafe concentrations of alcohol, creating serious health risks.

Communities affected by illegal alcohol can also experience increased family conflicts, financial difficulties and other social challenges.The fight requires continuous public education, responsible law enforcement and cooperation between different institutions.

Government reports progress in addressing livestock theft

During the engagement, Omollo also highlighted progress made in addressing livestock theft in Kisa West.

Livestock keeping is an important economic activity for many rural households. Cattle, goats and other animals provide families with income, food and financial security.

When livestock theft becomes common, affected families can suffer significant economic losses. Farmers may lose animals they have raised for several years, while insecurity can discourage investment in livestock farming.

The reported progress in tackling livestock theft is therefore an important development for residents.However, maintaining the progress requires continued cooperation between local administrators, police officers and community members.

Residents should report suspicious movements and provide relevant information to security agencies. Administrators should also ensure that security concerns raised by communities receive appropriate attention.

Omollo's remarks suggest that the government wants to build on the progress made against livestock theft while addressing other security challenges, particularly illegal alcohol.The new administrative headquarters is expected to strengthen government operations and improve access to public services for residents.

For many people living in rural communities, accessing government services can involve travelling considerable distances. Establishing administrative offices closer to residents can reduce this challenge and make government institutions more accessible.

The new office is also expected to improve coordination between local administrators and security agencies.

Assistant County Commissioners play an important role in coordinating national government activities within their administrative areas. They work with chiefs, assistant chiefs, police officers and other stakeholders to address issues affecting local communities.During the same engagement, Omollo presided over the installation of a new Assistant County Commissioner for Khwisero West Division.

The appointment is expected to strengthen the administration structure and improve coordination of government activities within the division.

Addressing the newly installed administrator, Omollo emphasised the importance of integrity, accountability and inclusivity.

The administrator is expected to work closely with other government officers and community representatives to address the needs of residents.

The position also comes with the responsibility of ensuring that public services are delivered fairly and that security concerns are addressed without discrimination.Security concerns were also discussed during the engagement, with local leaders raising issues surrounding inadequate police resources.

According to a November 5 report, Omollo promised that the government would deliver a police vehicle to Kisa West Police Station before the end of 2026.

The commitment followed discussions about the need to improve security operations in the area.

A police vehicle is important because it enables officers to respond to emergencies, conduct patrols and reach communities that may be far from police stations.

The promised vehicle is expected to support security operations and improve the response capacity of officers working in Kisa West.

The PS also indicated that the government would continue working with local leaders to address concerns raised by residents.Community policing encourages residents to work together with law enforcement officers to identify and prevent criminal activities.

In the fight against illegal alcohol, residents can assist by providing information about suspected manufacturers, distributors and sellers.

Local leaders can also organise public awareness meetings to educate families about the dangers of substance abuse.

Religious leaders, teachers and parents have an important role to play in guiding young people towards responsible behaviour.

Security agencies, on the other hand, are expected to investigate reports, conduct lawful operations and ensure that those found engaging in illegal activities face the law.The establishment of the new administrative office and the strengthening of security operations are part of the government's wider efforts to improve service delivery at the grassroots.

Omollo also highlighted government programmes in education, healthcare and social protection during his engagements.

He referred to the importance of education in creating equal opportunities and the government's efforts to expand access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority.

He also mentioned the government's cash transfer programme for eligible older persons, which provides a monthly stipend of KSh3,000.

These programmes demonstrate the range of responsibilities handled by grassroots administrators, who are expected to help residents access government initiatives and understand available services.