President William Ruto has called on parents across the country to take a more active role in raising and mentoring their children, cautioning that neither the government nor religious institutions can substitute the critical role of the family.
Speaking during a Sunday service at the African Inland Church (AIC) Bomani in Machakos County, the President emphasized that children are a divine responsibility entrusted to families, not the state.
“Children are a gift from God to both our families and the nation,” Ruto said. “As parents, we must take the lead in guiding them. That responsibility cannot be outsourced to the church, the government, or society.”
The President criticized what he described as a growing tendency among parents to delegate their parental duties to external entities, including law enforcement.
“If children go astray, the blame begins at home,” he said. “Police officers are trained to handle criminals not to raise children. If we surrender parenting to them, we should not be surprised by the outcomes.”
Ruto also took a firm stance against the use of young people in recent anti-government protests, accusing certain political leaders of exploiting the youth for selfish political ends.
“Some leaders are inciting our youth to take to the streets, destroy property, and engage in violence all in the name of politics,” he said. “This is not leadership. Using chaos as a political strategy is reckless and irresponsible.”
He urged national unity and collective responsibility in shaping the next generation, stressing that Kenya’s future depends on channeling youth potential into nation-building.
“Our young people possess immense energy, talent, and education. It is up to all of us parents, leaders, and communities to guide them, mentor them, and help them contribute to a better Kenya,” he added.
The President’s remarks come at a time of heightened political tension, with youth-led protests having rocked several parts of the country in recent weeks.
