President William Ruto with Bishop Mark Kariuki and other leaders of evangelical and pentecostal churches at State House in Nairobi /PCS
BY CALEB MWAMISI
Ice Cube’s banger “Go to Church” featuring Snoop Dogg and Lil Jon was a fi ery anthem from his 2006 album Laugh Now, Cry Later. Packed with raw energy and unapologetic swagger, the track is all about ‘keeping it real’, owning your space, and was apparently calling out fakes in the rap game. With its iconic line, “If you’re scared, go to church,” Cube was sending a loud message to step up or step aside.
The hard-hitting beats and fierce delivery made this track a certifi ed street classic. It was very interesting that Ice Cube recommended the scared to seek refuge in church.
There are five dimensions of life: the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual, a concept demonstrated by teachings of the Jesuits.
The physical dimension involves the care of the body through health, fi tness, and nutrition. The intellectual dimension concerns the pursuit of knowledge and critical thinking.
The emotional dimension reflects on managing feelings and relationships with oneself. The social dimension highlights the bonds we share with others. And the spiritual dimension stands apart as the foundation that informs purpose, ethics, and a connection to a higher power.
For youth navigating the modern age, the spiritual dimension cannot be taken for granted, as it anchors character and shapes a meaningful existence.
The spiritual dimension of life is indispensable and cannot be taken for granted. It is a wellspring of values and purpose, advancing respect for God, elders and authority and helping youth cultivate meaningful lives.
Today, a lot has changed in the Kenyan and the African society, albeit a lot is blamed on a deviation from values and principles by the church itself. However, a huge section of the church has undoubtedly played a massive role in shaping society in various ministries, education, healthcare, social support and, economic empowerment, among others.
Most importantly, the church provides moral, ethical support and youth development. The recent episode in which Bishop Mark Kariuki was ‘salimiwad’ (greeted) via his phone by youths unhappy with his and other bishops’ visit to State House is a solemn matter.
There is no question that a vast number of youths have for decades benefited from the moral and spiritual grounding provided by institutions like Deliverance Church International, which was started around 1970.
The Church is a beacon of transformation for youth. Deliverance Church International, under the stewardship of Bishop Mark Kariuki, has profoundly influenced countless young lives.
The church's programme cater to the holistic development of young people, nurturing their physical, intellectual, emotional, and social dimensions, while deeply grounding them spiritually.
In scripture, respecting elders is a matter God takes very seriously. For youths who believe in the Bible, it underscores the importance of respecting spiritual authority through the story of Elisha in 2 Kings 2:23-24.
As Elisha walked to Bethel, a group of young people mocked him, calling out, “Go up, you baldhead!” is act of scorn provoked spiritual consequence: two bears emerged from the woods and mauled 42 of them.
This cautionary tale is not merely about Elisha but about the reverence due to spiritual leaders. It serves as a stark warning that disrespecting authority, especially those tasked with spiritual oversight, invites consequences that transcend the immediate.
When these individuals launched insults, shared Bishop Mark’s private number, and harassed him after his meeting with President William Ruto, they violated not only societal norms but also spiritual principles of respect and honour.
This incident is emblematic of a broader cultural drift that increasingly erodes the protective boundaries of respect in the digital age.
While social media has become a vital platform for youth to advocate for societal change, some have misused it as a tool for harassment and disrespect.
For example, Kenyan youth have used platforms like Twitter and TikTok to mobilise for climate action, demand accountability from public offi cials, and highlight pressing social issues.
These positive actions demonstrate the potential of digital platforms when wielded responsibly. However, the same tools can be weaponised, as in the case of Bishop Kariuki, where the line between activism and abuse was crossed. Deliverance Church Umoja, for example, is renowned for its youth mentorship programmes that emphasise leadership, skills development, and moral uprightness.
The church's vibrant youth ministry organises forums where young people can express themselves, seek guidance, and cultivate their talents.
Similarly, Deliverance Church Kitengela has become a hub for youth empowerment. Its initiatives, such as career workshops, counselling sessions, and community outreach, equip young people with the tools they need to navigate life’s complexities.
These eff orts create an environment where young people feel valued and supported. The impact of such churches is evident in the testimonies of young individuals who have overcome addiction, hopelessness, and poverty through the support of these faith communities.
Many have found purpose and direction in life, attributing their transformation to the spiritual and practical guidance received from the church.
Beyond individual transformation, the Church’s role in addressing systemic issues like corruption
is undeniable
