National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has pointed fingers at both parents and the church for what he describes as a troubling ‘disrespectful’ tone exhibited by young people toward elders.
Speaking during a Sunday service, the Kikuyu MP lamented that the traditional values instilled in previous generations are increasingly absent in today’s youth.
Ichung’wah asserted that the church has failed in its moral teachings, contributing to a cultural shift where young people feel emboldened to criticize seniors and authorities in rhetoric that would have been unthinkable in the past. “We have failed as parents and the church,” he said. “What we should be teaching our children in our homes and churches has faltered. We have also failed to bring them back to church.”
His comments come against the backdrop of widespread protests led by the younger generation, known as Gen Z, who have used social media platforms to voice their grievances over issues like government accountability and economic policies. These protests, which have seen increased tensions, have led to tragic consequences, including deaths and numerous injuries.
Ichung’wah further criticized some political leaders, noting that they have strayed from their guiding roles, opting instead to prioritize political rhetoric over spiritual mentorship. “Some of the words our children were using against leaders and their own country were unimaginable in our time,” he remarked.
Echoing this sentiment, President William Ruto recently urged parents to take greater responsibility in guiding their children, acknowledging that many have relinquished their roles to the government. Ruto emphasized the need for proactive parenting to prevent youth from straying into criminal activities and to ensure they grow up with strong moral foundations.
As both leaders call for a return to traditional values and community guidance, the conversation surrounding youth engagement and respect for authority continues to evolve in Kenyan society.
