Uhuru awards cleric who asked girls to reject boda boda men

A cleric whose campaign against teenage pregnancies during the Covid-19 pandemic lit up social media has been honoured by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Bishop David Kipsoi of the African Inland Church was awarded with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear during Mashujaa Day celebrations. He received the medal from Elgeyo Marakwet County Commissioner Ahmed Omar.

In a video that went viral three months ago, Kipsoi is heard asking girls to avoid being lured by boda boda operators into engaging in irresponsible sex.

The video captured the imagination of social media users for the honesty with which Kipsoi approached the topic of teenage sex, a discussion many adults consider taboo.

While awarding Kipsoi, Uhuru said: “He is honoured for his immense contribution to the community having been at the epicentre at the fight against retrogressive cultural practices such as early marriages.”

In his warning to the teenage girls, Kipsoi said: “If you are the one to be seduced, why can’t you decline? Don’t be enticed by kangumu (small piece of cake) or boda boda rides that eventually make you slide into teenage pregnancies.”