A section of the clergy has raised concern over what they describe as a rising trend of same-sex relationships among the youth, warning that if left unchecked, it could grow into a crisis likely to negatively affect future generations.
Speaking during a thanksgiving service at Thika AP Chapel, the clergy led by Archbishop Dr. David Gatimu said the increasing public displays of affection among same-sex youth reflect what they termed a worrying moral decline in society.
Archbishop Gatimu warned that this trend could affect young people’s ability to build stable families in the future and urged them to embrace relationships that align with traditional family values and exclusively those that God intended between a man and a woman.
The retired AP chaplain questioned youths engaging in such relationships, asking if they consider the long-term implications, since same-sex couples cannot have children and many eventually part ways, returning to conventional relationships after realizing they were engaging in wrongful behavior.
He also called on parents, teachers, and the church to play a more active role in guiding young people, warning that peer pressure and cultural influences are shaping their behavior.
“We cannot stand by and watch our children engage in these shameful acts before us and before God,” he said. “Parents, teachers, and the church must intervene before it’s too late.”
His sentiments were echoed by church elder Esther Wanjiku, who attributed part of the problem to family conflicts, noting that children raised in homes marked by frequent disputes may struggle emotionally and make poor life choices while seeking acceptance and comfort.
Wanjiku expressed concern over the growing normalization of public displays of same-sex affection without regard for onlookers.
“I find it deeply troubling that such acts are becoming so common,” Wanjiku said. “Seeing young women kiss openly in public makes me uneasy. It feels like respect for others is disappearing, and it’s hard to watch without feeling disturbed.”
She also cautioned young people against being lured by promises of financial support allegedly linked to foreign organizations, urging them instead to pursue honest work and productive livelihoods.
According to the church leaders, the behavior reportedly begins during high school years and may intensify when students move on to universities and colleges, prompting calls for stronger guidance and mentorship to curb such influences.
They also urged parents to monitor their children’s phone usage, warning that unrestricted internet access may expose them to harmful content.
The clergy appealed to the government to support efforts aimed at protecting young people and strengthening family and moral values in the country.
