African Inland Church (AIC) Bishop William Kotut has strongly criticized the country’s youth for constantly speaking ill of Kenya and its leaders.
While delivering a sermon at AIC Kabartonjo on Sunday, August 3, 2025, the bishop condemned what many dismiss as casual name-calling, warning that such negativity carries serious consequences.
“Words cut deeper than physical wounds,” he said, urging young people to recognize the power their speech holds.
In a firm and biblical warning, Bishop Kotut told the youth to change their behavior or risk facing the same fate as the young men who mocked the prophet Elijah in the Bible, only to be mauled by wild animals for their disrespect.
“I watch on TV and wonder whatever happened to respect. People are speaking disdainfully about the leader of the nation. They even call them names that youths are not even supposed to use, not only on a president but also on grown-ups,” he stated.
Addressing Kenya’s youth directly, he urged them to reflect on how they think and speak about their nation and its leadership.
“To the youths of Kenya, you need to change what you think about your country, what you think about your nation, and what you speak about your leaders; don’t call them names. These names you are giving to leaders are not good.
“It hurts people when you speak negatively about them. Words have tremendous weight. People can recover from wounds and heal, but they cannot recover from words that leave permanent scars,” the bishop added.
Bishop Kotut made the remarks in the presence of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, who attended the Sunday service at AIC Kabartonjo.
The Deputy President was accompanied by a delegation that included the area county commissioner, Baringo North MP Joseph Kipkoros Makilap, and Baringo South MP Joshua Chepyegon Kandie.
