President William Ruto has called on parents to take full responsibility for the moral and social development of their children, warning that law enforcement and government institutions cannot replace the role of the family.

Speaking during the consecration of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo at the African Inland Church (AIC) Bomani in Machakos County on Sunday, July 20, 2025, the Head of State stressed that parenting is a duty that cannot be outsourced.

“Let Us Parent Our Children”
“Parents, let us parent our children. Let us mentor them. Let us look after our children. Let us speak to our children,” Ruto said.

“The church, let us work together because raising the next generation of Kenya is a societal responsibility.”

Police Not Equipped to Raise Children

Ruto urged parents not to rely on law enforcement to correct youth behavior, saying that officers are trained to deal with crime, not parenting.

“The police are trained to deal with criminals; they are not trained in parenting. So if you surrender your children to the police, what do you expect?” he posed.

“Every parent, including me — I take time to parent my children — so must everybody. Let us be responsible.”

Parenting Is a God-Given Duty

Reaffirming his stance, Ruto emphasized that parenting is not just a social role but a divine responsibility.

“Our children are the biggest asset we have. Their talent and ability are important in building this nation,” he said. “It is our collective responsibility to guide them, mentor them, and provide the right education so they can use their energy and knowledge to grow Kenya.”

Context of Youth Unrest

Ruto’s remarks come amid growing concern over youth participation in protests and digital activism. He made similar remarks in December 2024, during a speech in Homa Bay, calling for greater parental involvement.