By Elijah Cherutich
Leaders have been urged to widen their festive-season outreach to include children and other vulnerable groups, instead of concentrating only on eligible voters during the Christmas and New Year festivity.
Bishop Sammy Gitonga of Remnant Ministries International said consistent support for children had helped build their confidence and prepared them to face life’s challenges.
The bishop, who is eyeing the Nakuru Town East parliamentary seat, said more resources should be directed to children’s homes and similar institutions.
Gitonga called on churches and leaders to take responsibility for nurturing children in safe and supportive environments that could positively influence their future.
Addressing congregants at Philadelphia Church in Langalanga, Nakuru, during a charity event for children, Lucas Mgenge reiterated that the festive season should be meaningful for all children, particularly orphans.
Mgenge noted that many political leaders focus their donations on adult supporters, leaving out children in orphanages and care homes.
He warned that such selective generosity undermines the values of compassion and care that society should pass on to the next generation.
“Once leaders are done with adults, the children are forgotten, and that sends the wrong message,” he said.
Monicah, a matron at Newlife Children’s Home, said children in care institutions were often excluded from festive goodwill, even as leaders toured communities distributing gifts.
She said many leaders failed to prioritise such children because they were not voters, yet they deserved equal care and attention.
“Children should come before personal or political interests,” she said.