A local administrator has stirred debate after accusing young people of being lazy and urging the government to reinstate corporal punishment in schools.
Paul Gaitho, the Chief of Uthiru Location in Kabete Subcounty, made the remarks on Friday while addressing Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during the Kiambu County edition of Jukwaa la Usalama forums.
Gaitho argued that the removal of corporal punishment was a mistake, claiming it has contributed to indiscipline and widespread drug abuse among the youth. He singled out the Gen Z demographic, accusing them of idleness and overdependence on government.
“These people are lazy, they smoke a lot of bhang, they are idlers and they tend to see as if this is heaven,” Gaitho said in a video seen by The Star.
He further alleged that the youth often gang up against chiefs and other National Government Administration Officers while resisting law enforcement and policy dissemination efforts. According to him, restoring corporal punishment is necessary to “save the future generation.”
Gaitho also faulted parents for prioritising work over parenting, saying the neglect has pushed many young people into drugs and crime. He warned that the consequences have already been dire, with some youths losing their lives.
