In a fiery Sunday sermon at AIC Kabartonjo, African Inland Church Bishop William Kotut issued a stern reprimand to Kenya’s youth for what he described as a growing culture of disrespect toward national leaders and institutions.
Speaking in the presence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and a host of local dignitaries, Bishop Kotut lamented the trend of online and public name-calling, warning of its moral and societal consequences. “Words carry a weight that wounds do not,” he said. “People can recover from physical injuries, but words leave scars that may never heal.”
Invoking the biblical account of young men who mocked the prophet Elijah and were mauled by wild animals, the bishop cautioned that contemptuous speech against leaders could provoke divine judgement. “Respect for elders and authority must return to our discourse,” he urged.
The rebuke extended beyond the youth. Kotut criticised opposition figures for what he described as hypocrisy and persistent negativity toward the current administration. “It amazes me how some leaders, who once served in government, now act as though nothing good can come from it,” he said.
Deputy President Kindiki, seated among MPs Joseph Makilap (Baringo North), Joshua Kandie (Baringo South), William Kamket (Tiaty), and veteran politician Musa Sirma, did not publicly respond to the remarks but was seen nodding in agreement.
The visit formed part of a weekend tour by the Deputy President, which included a community empowerment forum held in the region on Friday.
Bishop Kotut, widely respected for his humanitarian work in Baringo, ended his sermon with a call for national healing, urging citizens to reflect on their language and recommit to constructive civic dialogue.
