Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has urged parents and guardians to nurture morally upright and mentally healthy children, warning that negligence in this area could lead to long-term societal consequences.
Speaking during a church service at the African Inland Church in Kapng’etik, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, where he accompanied President William Ruto, Murkomen stressed the need for deliberate efforts in guiding the youth.
“All of us given responsibility to take care of our young people, let us be mindful, not just of the things we do, not of the money they are going to earn or infrastructure we are going to build,” said Murkomen. “Let us be mindful of the soul and the minds of our children because whatever they will consume is what will destroy them.”
The CS warned that failure to plant the right values in children could result in regret for parents and guardians in the future.
He expressed concern that some individuals entrusted with mentoring young people are, instead, promoting negative behavior among them.
“When we are old and our children are not guided on the right path, we will reap pain and regret,” he added. “If we do our part now, the security of our country will be in safe hands.”
His remarks came just days after unrest at Butere Girls High School, where students boycotted a drama performance to protest the arrest of their director, Cleophas Malala. The incident escalated, prompting police to use tear gas to disperse the agitated students.
President Ruto also weighed in, calling on parents, teachers, and leaders to shield children from harmful influences such as drug peddlers, pedophiles, and individuals who seek to incite them against authority figures.
“We must protect our children from those who want to corrupt them, teach them to hate their parents, teachers, leaders, or even their own country,” said the President.
Ruto reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing quality education and encouraged parents to support their children’s passions—whether in academics, arts, or sports.
