Embu clergy urge Mt. Kenya men to reclaim mentorship roles to save boy child

Religious leaders and counselors from Embu County have expressed concerns over the growing crisis of absent fathers or male role models in the Mount Kenya region.

Speaking at Tenri School during a ceremony to release boys who had completed the circumcision rite of passage, the clergy led by Bishop John Mwangi of Seed of Hope Ministry noted that the boy child has been largely left out both at home and within the community.

The leaders cautioned that neglect is leaving many young men vulnerable to negative influence, hence urged men to take responsibility and nurture the boy child.

They stated that many men have substituted their traditional roles with alcoholism, drug abuse, and miraa chewing, adding that this contributed to absenteeism in their homes.

“It is unfortunate that responsibilities which culturally and biblically belong to fathers and uncles, especially during rites of passage, have been left to women,” Bishop Mwangi stated.

He warned that the collapse of male mentorship has led to the rise of behavioral challenges among young men who then turn to their peers or social media for guidance instead of responsible adults.

“Many men are no longer present in their homes, and this has denied boys the guidance they desperately need,” Bishop Mwangi said.

Tenri School Director Kariuki Njogu stated that the institution has introduced counselling to the boys during the initiation period.

He urged parents to remain actively involved as their sons transition to senior school, describing the stage as one where many young men “lose their way.”

The director called on community leaders, churches, teachers, and government agencies to collaborate in establishing programmes that protect and uplift the boy child, who he said are increasingly endangered by harmful societal influences.

Parents present at the ceremony showed confidence in mentorship programmess of that kind and vowed to help equip their sons with life skills and provide a safe and structured pathway into adulthood.