Former President Moi urges parents to monitor children

Former President Daniel arap Moi (second right) presents bibles to Sun and Shield School pupils during the 27th baptismal worship service at AIC Kabarak Community Chapel. Looking on is Kabarak University Deputy Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat (right). (PHOTO: KIPSANG JOSEPH)

Former President Daniel arap Moi has condemned increased cases of misbehaviour among school-going children in the country.

Moi cited last week's incident where over 500 children were arrested while using drugs, drinking alcohol and engaging in sex at a basement club in Eldoret.

He further referred to the August incident where 45 high school students were arrested for smoking bhang, drinking and having sex in a bus along Karatina-Nairobi road in Nyeri.

He was speaking during the 27th baptism worship service at AIC Kabarak Community Chapel in Nakuru County attended by 237 candidates drawn from neighbouring churches, university, primary and high schools.

The former Head of State urged parents to closely monitor their children and give them proper advice so that they can become responsible adult.

"Last week you saw in the media young people grouping themselves, drinking alcohol and performing other heinous acts in Eldoret. I urge all parents to advise their children and bring them up in Christian ways so that they become good people in the society," said Moi.

The teenagers were arrested in a swoop by police and officials from the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

The juveniles were at Sam's Discotheque in White Castle building, just opposite Eldoret Police Station, along Uganda Road.

Moi, who also presented bibles to each of those who were baptised, called upon teachers to assist parents in looking after children while at school. He further urged parents to encourage their children to go to church.

Upholding faith

While thanking those baptised, Moi encouraged them to uphold their faith and follow Jesus Christ as they had promised while being baptised.

"Each one of you will remember this great day. Personally, I remember the day I was baptised on Friday, October 20, 1936," Moi said.

Kabarak University Deputy Vice Chancellor Henry Kiplagat thanked all those who were baptised and urged them to continue leading the Christian life and always remain firm.

"They have shown the true Christian way. As each of them was baptised they were demonstrating before the congregation that they had died, were buried and are risen with Jesus Christ as read in the book of Romans 6:3-4," said Mr Kiplagat.

Those baptised were drawn from Kabarak University, Moi High School Kabarak , Moi High School Primary, Sun and Shield School, Kirobon Boys High School, AIC Morop Girls Secondary School, Kabarak community members, AIC Rafiki Church and AIC Kabarnet farm.

Kabarak High School's sister school, Sacho High, and Sacho Primary were also present.

Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago and Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi were among leaders who graced the occasion.

AIC Kabarak Community Chapel has baptised a total of 4,874 church members from various denominations since 1988 when Moi High School Kabarak conducted its first baptism service.