Machakos – President William Ruto has issued a sharp rebuke to parents and political leaders, warning against neglecting children and using youth to fuel unrest. Speaking during a Sunday service at AIC Bomani Church in Machakos, the president said families must take full responsibility for raising their children.
“Our children are a gift from God to both families and the nation,” Ruto said. “We must mentor them. Parenting is not the work of the government or the church. Don’t leave your children to be raised by strangers.”
The president warned against surrendering children to police officers, saying law enforcement is trained to manage criminals, not to raise children. “If you hand over your child to the police, what do you expect? I take time to guide my own children. So should everyone else,” Ruto stated.
His remarks come in the wake of widespread youth-led protests against the government’s economic policies and the controversial Finance Bill. The demonstrations, which escalated in June and July, have seen violent clashes between protesters and security forces.
President Ruto accused unnamed politicians of manipulating young people for personal political gain. “Let us not abuse our children by sending them to destroy property or attack others,” he said. “That is not leadership. That is desperation. You have no plan for Kenya if you need chaos to rise to power.”
Ruto stressed that the country must channel the energy and intelligence of the youth toward building the nation. “The youth hold our future. It is our duty to shape them, not exploit them,” Ruto added.
The president’s tough stance on security enforcement was evident earlier this month when he instructed police to shoot looters in the leg during protests. On July 9 in Nairobi, Ruto defended the directive. “If someone burns down another’s business, shoot them in the leg. Let them face justice in court after treatment. But do not allow them to destroy this country,” he said.
He further described attacks on security officers and installations as acts of terror. “Anyone who attacks police stations or security personnel is declaring war on the state. That is terrorism, and we will treat it as such,” Ruto warned.
The president’s remarks follow weeks of demonstrations that have drawn global attention. Protesters have voiced growing frustration over the high cost of living and alleged repression of civil liberties.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, the July 7 protests led to 31 confirmed deaths and 107 injuries, many linked to police action.
Amnesty International Kenya reported that at least 16 people were killed during the June 25 protests, most of them shot by police. The group cited a pattern of excessive force, arbitrary arrests, and use of live bullets on unarmed demonstrators.
Business owners across 15 counties have also reported break-ins, vandalism, and losses during the unrest.
While the government blames the opposition for fueling disorder, rights groups continue to criticize the state’s response, describing it as disproportionate and in violation of constitutional rights to assembly and expression.
As Kenya prepares for continued political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, calls for accountability both from parents and from those in power are growing louder.
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