The Myoot Kipsigis Council of Elders has sent a clarion call for peace, integrity and respect for authority, urging Kericho’s young people to shun lawlessness and guard the values that have long anchored their community.
In an interview with KNA shortly after the meeting, Council Chairman Richard Ngeno emphasised that the foundation of any peaceful and progressive society lies in the respect accorded to its institutions and leadership.
Addressing youth drawn from across Kericho County during a well-attended empowerment forum held at the ACK Grace Conference Hall in Kericho, Ngeno said young people must be taught to honour the presidency, respect the church, listen to elders, and uphold the authority of elected leaders regardless of political differences.
He noted that when citizens, especially the youth, embrace discipline, moral integrity and respect for those in leadership, the result is a cohesive society anchored on order, dialogue and shared responsibility.
Ngeno stressed that it is this culture of respect that sustained the community’s values for generations and must be safeguarded to ensure long-term stability and development.
“We must teach our youth to honour authority, protect property and walk in truth. When something is possible, let us show them the way; when it is not, we must be honest and say so. False promises only lead them astray,” said Ngeno.
His remarks followed nationwide protests that recently led to looting, vandalism and clashes with police. While some counties counted heavy losses, Kericho reported none. The elders applauded local youth for choosing restraint over destruction and urged them to keep rejecting violence, political manipulation and moral decay.
Ngeno announced an elders’ peace caravan that will crisscross Kipsigis land—Kericho, Bomet, Emurua Dikir, Elmochok and Kuresoi South—offering mentorship, spiritual guidance and outreach on drug and alcohol abuse. He also pressed authorities to tighten liquor licensing to curb alcohol‑related harm.
“We urge professionals serving in both the county and national governments to uphold the highest standards of conduct and become role models for our youth by fostering discipline, integrity, and moral responsibility,” he stated.
Bishop Jonathan Rotich of the African Inland Church, who is also a spiritual leader in the council, underscored the importance of upholding peace, love, and cooperation — values he said were deeply rooted in the vision of Kenya’s founding forefathers.
He acknowledged that while the right to demonstrate is enshrined in the Constitution, it should never be misused as a justification for destruction.
He appealed to the public to reflect on their responsibility to protect future generations, uphold national unity, and embrace forgiveness.
“Our forefathers founded this nation on peace, love and cooperation. Demonstrations are a constitutional right, but they must never become an excuse to destroy what others have built. Let us safeguard our children, forgive one another and remember we are laying foundations for generations to come,” said Rotich.
The council is set to bless Kericho’s youth in a symbolic ceremony of guidance, hope, and unity. Elders also intend to engage government and church leaders to forge a common path toward lasting peace and development.
The overriding message: truth, peace, and unity must guide Kericho’s youth—because the county’s future rests on young people who choose peace over chaos, honesty over deception, and respect over rebellion.
By Gilbert Mutai
