By:Robert Mutasi
Kapseret-Simat Ward MCA Moses Kebenei has urged parents to be more present and vigilant with their children during the long school holidays, warning that lack of parental guidance is exposing children to insecurity and moral decay.
Kebenei was speaking during a community baraza in Simat-Kapsere on Thursday, where he addressed residents who had gathered under tents to discuss security and social issues affecting the area.
The MCA, who was dressed in a blue shirt and a black cap with an orange brim, said the holiday season comes with many challenges and called on parents to deliberately create time for their children.
“Our kids are on holiday. And there are many issues. And I want to plead with my parents. Let us be close to our kids. Let us have a discussion with them. Let us talk together,” Kebenei told the crowd.
He urged families to make it a daily habit to pray together every evening and to have honest, open conversations about what their children go through each day.
“Every evening let us pray together. Let us know what the kids are going through. Let them tell us how the day was. Be close to your kid. As a parent, be that parent who is available for your children,” he emphasized.
On matters of security, Kebenei raised alarm over rising cases of insecurity in Simat and Kapsere villages, citing a recent tragic incident where a young girl was raped and killed. The incident has left the entire village in shock and mourning, sparking fresh calls for stronger community policing.
“Security starts with you. We cannot say that security starts with the government. And let us be a brother’s keeper. If you hear from the Simat Kapsere side there is a girl who was raped and was killed,” he said.
The Ward Representative called on residents to stop shielding criminals within the community and instead expose them to the authorities, warning that silence will only create more victims in the future.
“So I am requesting, if we see those characters within our community, let us expose them. If you don’t expose those people tomorrow it will be you. So if you see an evil happening in a community or in a society, pick it out,” he warned.
Kebenei further appealed to the community to embrace all children, guide them with love and instill the right morals from an early age, noting that early correction prevents bigger problems in society.
“And I am asking the community, let us embrace our kids. Let us accept them and let us teach them the right morals. If you see something not right with a neighbor or a friend’s kid, correct that child before things get out of hand,” he added.
Residents who attended the baraza said the MCA’s message was timely, with many admitting they rarely find time to interact with their children due to busy farm schedules and work commitments.
The meeting comes at a time when local administration, chiefs and Nyumba Kumi elders have intensified patrols and public sensitization following the recent murder incident. Police have also appealed to the public to share information that will lead to the arrest of those behind the heinous act.
