Interior PS warns against cybercrime

Interior PS Raymond Omollo during the opening of the assistant county commissioner’s office in Homa Bay county. [File, Standard]

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has warned against use of digital technology to commit cybercrime.

Omollo issued a stern warning against misuse of social media platforms.

He said some people use digital technology to commit crime through cyber bullying, spread of misinformation and harmful media content.

"The cybercrime influences young people to commit crime which affects their mental health, self-esteem alongside other adverse effects," he said.

Speaking in Homa Bay, the PS warned that anybody found committing cybercrime would face legal action. 

He assured that the government had put in place measures to deal with cybercrime.

“Digital technology is good but there are some people with intentions of using it for wrong purposes by committing cybercrime. The government has robust measures in place to deal with cyber criminals,” Omollo said.

The PS told youth to take advantage of digital technology to earn a living.

The said digital revolution can enable many young people to create to wealth.

He noted that social media platforms like Tiktok, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, X, Thread among others can be a good source of income if utilised well.

“Digital technology is very important in job creation. I urge our young people to take advantage of various online platforms to earn a living,” Omollo said.

The PS urged citizens to use digital technology for the right purpose.

“The digital technology is very good but it can only help people who use it in the right way. Let our young people use the technology for the right purpose to transform their lives,” he said.

Omollo announced that the government is investing in technology to address youth unemployment.

At the same time the PS warned against manufacturing and consumption of illicit brew and drugs.

He urged the public to collaborate with the national government officials in the fight against drug abuse.

“Let us join hands to augment the fight against illicit brews and drug abuse menace in the country. The menace is a drawback to development of the youth,” he said.

Omollo encouraged youths to pursue higher education, vocational training, and other learning opportunities such as government internship programmes and scholarships to enable them to be competitive in the job market.