Interior Principal Secretary (PS) Dr Raymond Omollo has delivered a strong message on two important national issues: the fight against examination irregularities and the need for political support for President William Ruto's administration ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Dr Omollo has warned parents, teachers and other individuals against engaging in examination malpractice, cautioning that anyone attempting to obtain, sell or distribute leaked examination papers will face the full force of the law.

His remarks come at a critical time when thousands of Kenyan candidates are preparing to undertake their national examinations. The government has maintained that the credibility of the examinations must be protected to ensure that learners are assessed fairly and that their academic achievements reflect their own efforts.

The PS has also continued to urge residents of the Nyanza region, including those in Homa Bay County, to recognise the development initiatives undertaken by President William Ruto's administration and support the government's agenda.One of the major issues raised by Dr Omollo was the growing concern over examination malpractice, particularly individuals who approach parents and teachers with claims that they can access examination papers before candidates sit their examinations.

The PS warned that such individuals are misleading desperate parents and exploiting the anxiety surrounding national examinations to make money.

He appealed to parents and teachers not to fall victim to people promising to provide examination papers in exchange for money.

According to Omollo, anyone who participates in examination cheating is not only putting the future of candidates at risk but is also exposing themselves to serious legal and professional consequences.Government agencies monitoring examination fraud

Dr Omollo further revealed that security agencies are closely monitoring individuals suspected of planning to interfere with the national examination process.

He warned that the government would not sit back and watch criminals take advantage of parents and learners during the examination period.

The Interior Ministry, working together with other government departments, is expected to ensure that examination materials are protected from unauthorised access and that the exercise is conducted in a secure environment.The warning also extends to social media platforms, where individuals sometimes advertise examination papers and claim to have connections that can help candidates obtain advance access to national examinations.

Omollo cautioned that parents should be particularly careful because some people use examination anxiety to demand money from unsuspecting families.

He maintained that candidates should depend on their preparation, knowledge and hard work instead of attempting to gain unfair advantages.

The government wants examinations to provide a genuine picture of students' academic abilities. Allowing cheating would disadvantage hardworking candidates who have spent years preparing for their final assessments.The PS placed particular responsibility on parents and teachers, saying they should guide learners towards academic honesty.

He explained that parents who purchase allegedly leaked examination papers could unknowingly become part of criminal activities that might destroy their children's educational future.

Teachers were also cautioned against participating in examination irregularities or encouraging learners to obtain examination materials illegally.According to Omollo, teachers are important professionals in the education system and should protect the integrity of the examinations rather than participate in activities that undermine public confidence.

He reminded teachers that examination malpractice could affect their professional careers, while parents could also face serious consequences if found participating in illegal activities.

His message was that every stakeholder must allow candidates to demonstrate what they have learned without interference.

The government has also warned examination officials, including centre managers, supervisors and invigilators, to observe the rules governing national examinations.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba has similarly emphasised that officials entrusted with administering examinations must maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism.He expressed confidence that residents would consider the government's achievements when making political decisions ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The PS's message was that political differences should not prevent communities from benefiting from government programmes.

He encouraged residents to look beyond traditional political divisions and recognise development efforts that could improve their livelihoods.

His position reflects the government's broader efforts to strengthen political cooperation with Nyanza, a region that has traditionally been associated with the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).Development projects used to defend Ruto's leadership

In defending the President, Omollo pointed to development initiatives that the government has been undertaking in Homa Bay and other parts of the country.

He maintained that development should be distributed fairly and that every Kenyan deserves access to government services regardless of political affiliation.

The PS's argument is that communities should evaluate national leadership through service delivery, infrastructure development, education, healthcare and economic opportunities.

Road construction has been among the major issues highlighted by leaders supporting the government's engagement with Nyanza.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang, who also attended the Suba empowerment event, said cooperation between the region and the national government had helped bring development projects to the areaOmollo's support for President Ruto comes at a time when political discussions surrounding the 2027 General Election are gaining momentum.

There has been growing debate within ODM over whether the party should enter into a formal written agreement with the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) before the next election.

Some ODM leaders have called for a clear power-sharing arrangement, arguing that the party should receive an agreed share of government positions in exchange for supporting President Ruto's re-election.

However, Omollo has challenged the idea of making political support conditional on the signing of agreements.

In his remarks to leaders and residents in the region, he has argued that the President should be allowed to seek political partnerships without being forced into particular arrangements.The two lawmakers argued that President Ruto should be allowed to build partnerships with other communities without being subjected to strict conditions.

Speaking in Bondo during an engagement with Beach Management Unit officials from Siaya County, where Omollo also addressed the gathering, the leaders maintained that cooperation with the government could create opportunities for the region.

Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo said Omollo's remarks were directed at the broader Luo community rather than being an attack on ODM as a political party.When examinations are compromised, hardworking students may lose opportunities to individuals who use dishonest methods to obtain better grades.

Protecting national examinations is therefore a responsibility shared by the government, parents, teachers, school administrators and candidates.

On politics, Omollo's call for support for President Ruto highlights the importance of cooperation between the national government and communities that have historically supported different political formations.