Ruto: police are trained to deal with criminals and not parenting
President William Ruto has emphasised the crucial role of parents in guiding their children’s moral and social development, asserting that law enforcement agencies are not equipped to assume parental responsibilities.
Speaking during the consecration ceremony of Bishop Benjamin Kalanzo at the African Inland Church (AIC) Bomani in Machakos County on Sunday, July 20, 2025, Ruto urged parents and the church to mentor the youth, adding that raising the next generation of Kenya is a societal responsibility.
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In addition, the head of state highlighted the importance of parental involvement in nurturing the youth.
“Parents, let us parent our children. Let us mentor them. Let us look after our children. Let us speak to our children. The church, let us work together because raising the next generation of Kenya is a societal responsibility,” Ruto said.
“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? Every parent, including me, I take time to parent my children, so must everybody. Let us be responsible.”
He stressed that parenting is a God-given duty, and parents should not abandon their roles to institutions like the church or government
“Our children are the biggest asset we have; their talent and ability are important in building this nation to move forward, and it is our collective responsibility to make sure we mentor them, guide them, and provide the right education so that they can channel their energy, expertise, and knowledge into growing our nation,” he added.
“Our children are a gift from God. We must mentor them. Parenting is a God-given responsibility. Do not surrender your responsibility of parenting to the church or the government. Mungu akikupatia mtoto, anajua uko na uwezo wa kumlea huyo mtoto. Usimwache mtoto wako alelewe barabarani na watu wengine.”
Ruto’s statement comes amid rising concerns over youth involvement in protests and online activism.
Ruto’s order to parents
This is not the first time Ruto has urged parents to provide mentorship to their children.
In December 2024, while addressing a gathering in Homa Bay amidst rising cases of abductions linked to government agents, Ruto pledged to end such incidents. However, he also called on parents to take a more active role in shaping their children’s character.
“These children are our blessings from God. Every parent should take care of their children, and as a government, we will do our part. We are going to stop the abductions so that the Kenyan youth can live in peace. But at the same time, they ought to be disciplined and responsible so that we can build our country together,” President Ruto said.
The president’s remarks came at a time when youth-led social media activism has been gaining momentum, with many young Kenyans using platforms like TikTok and X formerly Twitter to criticize government policies and highlight cases of poor governance.
Ruto urged the youth to avoid irresponsible behaviour, which he suggested could lead to unnecessary trouble.
