Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has hailed President William Ruto’s inaugural meeting with village elders as a landmark event in Kenya’s governance.
Speaking at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, Omollo highlighted that the elders present represented over 100,000 peers nationwide. He emphasized that this engagement was the first time grassroots leaders at the village level received direct recognition from the highest office in the country.
Omollo explained that the elders would carry the President’s message back to their communities, reinforcing their vital role in local development and national unity.
Recognition and Support for Village Elders
The PS recalled that soon after taking office, President Ruto launched a series of consultations through the Interior Ministry to acknowledge the critical contributions of village elders in nation-building and governance support.
“This is a historic day. For the first time in Kenya’s history, village elders have been formally engaged at this level,” Omollo said. He further noted the President’s commitment to improve the welfare of these community custodians.
One key promise fulfilled was the introduction of a monthly stipend aimed at facilitating the elders’ work in their communities. Omollo remarked, “As the first month of the year ends, the government has started disbursing the stipend to support the invaluable services these elders provide.”
Broader Government Support
Omollo also pointed out that the government has extended support to various sectors such as education, healthcare, and students, and is now prioritizing the strengthening of National Government Administration through backing village elders.
He concluded by reaffirming President Ruto’s commitment to inclusive development, stating that the administration recognizes and uplifts all sectors of society, including grassroots leaders.
