Eldoret Cleric Urges Parents to Closely Monitor Children During Festive Holiday

Parents in Uasin Gishu County have been urged to closely supervise their children during the long festive holiday and ensure they engage in constructive activities to protect them from harmful behaviour.

ACK St Matthew’s Cathedral Acting Provost Rev Nicholas Rotich said the extended school break presents challenges for parents, particularly when children are left idle without proper guidance and supervision.

Speaking during a church service at ACK St Matthew’s Cathedral in Eldoret City, Rev Rotich called on parents and guardians to take greater responsibility for the safety and well-being of their children.

“This long break presents a time when all parents must ensure their children are safeguarded from getting involved in inappropriate conduct,” he said.

The cleric noted that parents should use the holiday period to strengthen their relationship with their children, guide their conduct and encourage participation in meaningful activities.

Rev Rotich also used the occasion to reflect on the legacy of the late Anglican Bishop Alexander Muge, who was widely recognised for his courage in speaking out against social injustices and wrongdoing.

He challenged Church leaders to emulate the former bishop by speaking boldly against societal evils, saying religious institutions should not remain silent when the country faces moral and social challenges.

He cautioned clergy against abusing their positions and influence to manipulate members of the public for personal or selfish interests.

Turning to national leadership, Rev Rotich said both religious and political leaders should prioritise building a lasting legacy for future generations while championing the rights and interests of marginalised communities.

He also expressed concern over rising political temperatures, warning that premature political campaigns and inflammatory statements by politicians were creating unnecessary tension and divisions across the country.

According to the cleric, some politicians were engaging in activities that could amount to violations of electoral laws by conducting campaigns outside the officially designated election period set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

“Leaders will always come and go; they have existed since time immemorial. Politics should not breed hostility and division. I call upon all Kenyans to embrace strong moral values so we can build a better nation,” he said.

Rev Rotich called on Kenyans to embrace peaceful coexistence, responsible leadership and strong moral principles, saying national unity should take precedence over political competition.