Raymond Omollo: The 'calm man' in the eye of the storm

The 46-year-old maven, then 42, was appointed the Principal Secretary for Internal Security & National Administration, a highly taxing government docket that would demand a life of toil.

This task would arguably not be a hill climb owing to his service in both the private and public sectors, having worked as a research fellow, adjunct lecturer and examiner at the University of Nairobi, Strathmore University and the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Statistics from UoN, a Master of Science in Applied Statistics from the same institution and a Doctorate in Applied Statistics (PhD) from Maseno University.

Years later, in the public realm, Omollo has maintained the same reticent demeanour and tried to steer clear of meddling in the murky terrains of Kenya's politics until the ghosts of goonism came to haunt him, seemingly exposing his quiet influence in the elite backrooms of politics.

While administering his constitutional role of implementing national security policies and coordinating intergovernmental programs, Omollo, however, has been linked to the recent rise of politically sponsored violence among the Kenyan youth.

In a recent spate of goon attacks in the country, his name has been fronted by many political dons, some even calling for his resignation.

When Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi was attacked on April 8 by armed goons in Kisumu County, he claimed that the assault was organised by PS Omollo.

His argument was echoed by political leaders in the United Opposition as Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka demanded that Omollo should resign, arguing that he has proven to be incompetent and legal action will be initiated if he fails to step down.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed the Interior Ministry for the chaos witnessed on Saturday in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, ahead of a political meeting attended by him and other United Opposition leaders.

Gachagua alleged that organised groups, which he referred to as “goons,” were deployed in the early hours of the day to block roads, light fires, and attack motorists along key routes leading into Kikuyu town.

"Goons are now part of the National Police service and work alongside the police in causing chaos and unleashing violence against innocent Kenyans," he said on X.

He claimed that the groups, allegedly drawn from Nairobi’s informal settlements, operated with the knowledge of security officials and political actors opposed to his meeting.

Gachagua linked the incident to what he described as a broader pattern of political intimidation, accusing senior Interior Ministry officials of enabling the use of criminal groups to target government critics.

"Police have confirmed to us in confidence that goons are deployed to work alongside the police on orders of CS Murkomen and PS Raymond Omollo," he added.

The ever-silent Omollo has not come out to defend himself from the accusations, but he has some strong support from his Interior Ministry boss, Kipchumba Murkomen.

"I saw some of the opposition leaders mentioning my PS (Omollo), I want to dare them to come out openly and denounce violence and denounce the goons and the gangs they are walking around with them…" said Murkomen.

Instead of spending time responding to what he probably believes are unfounded claims, PS Omollo decided to warn against criminal gangs and politically instigated violence, vowing decisive action against those involved as security operations intensify in affected regions.

Dominating Nyanza 

PS Omollo's mysterious influence in politics has been attributed to the quest for finding a dominant voice in the Nyanza region.

The race to find a Nyanza kingpin has intensified as regional leaders, among them Treasury Cabinet John Mbadi, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Oburu Oginga, have maintained a relentless race to be crowned as the leader of the pack, while PS Omollo has also kept his cards close to his chest.

This has seen him maintain an indefatigable campaign for President William Ruto's administration, especially in the Nyanza region, where he is always proud to shout about his boss's achievements but never ventures into politics.

However, his name is now a chorus from politicians who say he is trying to influence Nyanza region politics by force, with the most senior barb coming from ODM leader Oburu.

Oburu has warned PS Omollo against what he termed as trying to win support for Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) in an ODM zone.

"We are very happy that you are the PS of security. Please concentrate on your security job; do not come with maize and beans to distribute. You are trying to sell UDA here, and that is like selling pork in Saudi Arabia. It will not work here," said Oburu during a party event on April 9, 2026.

PS Omollo's calm demeanour has successfully shielded him from public scrutiny, but his alleged political influence will attract constant attention as the 2027 General Election approaches.