By Ben Okweingoti.
Religious leaders under the Mijikenda Clergy Fellowship have called on the government to allow preachers back into schools to provide spiritual guidance and mentorship, arguing that the move could help curb the rising cases of unrest in learning institutions.
Speaking in Malindi Town, Kilifi County, the clergy expressed concern over what they described as increasing moral decay among learners, which they claimed was contributing to incidents of school arson and indiscipline.
Led by Bishop Thomas Kakala and Reverend Silvina Lwembe, the clerics attributed the situation to poor parenting, the influence of foreign cultures, and the abolition of corporal punishment in schools, which they said had limited teachers' ability to discipline students effectively.
Bishop Kakala criticized what he termed the growing influence of LGBTQ practices among learners, alleging that some students involved in such activities resorted to acts of arson to conceal their actions after being exposed.
He urged the government to reintroduce clergy-led mentorship programs in schools, saying religious leaders could play a key role in shaping the character and moral values of young people.
"We need to allow clergy back into schools so that we can mentor learners and help shape their lives. The challenges we are witnessing today are a reflection of societal values and the choices we have made over the years," he said.
Kakala further blamed some parents for failing to provide proper guidance to their children, claiming that family environments had contributed to the spread of undesirable behaviour among learners.
The bishop also renewed calls for the reintroduction of corporal punishment in schools, arguing that its removal had weakened discipline among students.
Reverend Lwembe, on her part, raised concerns over the increasing cases of women and young girls going missing before later being found dead under mysterious circumstances.
She urged the government and security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incidents, suggesting that criminal networks or cult-related activities could be behind the disappearances and killings.
"Our country is becoming increasingly unsafe for children, especially girls. Authorities must establish the causes of these incidents and ensure those responsible are brought to justice," she said.
Lwembe also challenged parents to take a more active role in monitoring the welfare of their children and encouraged families to embrace religious teachings as a means of instilling discipline and good morals.
She noted that religious institutions have traditionally played a crucial role in shaping responsible members of society and called on parents to support their children's spiritual growth.
Another cleric, Bishop Menza, echoed the sentiments, saying that indiscipline in schools was largely a result of inadequate parental guidance.
He urged security agencies to intensify efforts to combat child abductions and ensure perpetrators face the full force of the law.
The clergy's remarks come amid growing national concern over recurring cases of school unrest and incidents of insecurity affecting children and young people across the country.
