Kenyans have been urged to speak out and destigmatize efforts to seek help whenever an individual faces life challenges so as to curb rising suicide cases across the country.
This follows the recent release of a report by the Ministry of Gender indicating that at least 680 people died by suicide in the Mt. Kenya region, with Kiambu, Nyeri, and Murang’a counties recording the highest number of suicide cases.
Speaking during a National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) empowerment exercise in Kigumo Constituency, Murang’a County, political, religious, and community leaders expressed the need for dialogue instead of silent suffering.
Led by the County Woman Representative, Betty Maina, the leaders further expressed concern over the increased abuse of alcohol, drugs, and substances, which often cause mental distress, leading victims to either harm themselves or others.
“Let us normalize speaking out because challenges in life are inevitable; do not isolate yourself during such times. Instead of going through life alone and attempting to surmount every challenge on your own, I urge you to seek help. Even join groups in the villages, and through the gatherings, you will realize that you can overcome the challenges,” the woman rep said.
Maina emphasized that committing suicide should not be the last resort, as it hardly solves any challenge. “This region has been the most affected, with cases soaring with every waking day, and it is time we have a conversation because every life matters,” she noted.
She called on religious leaders to carry out their mandate of shepherding the flock with zeal. “Use your platforms to offer hope, encouragement, and guidance to those suffering emotional distress even as you seek to give them spiritual nourishment.”
At the same time Maina implored the public to embrace dialogue in families, noting that doing so could solve some of the challenges leading up to mental distress, depression, and ultimate loss of life.
“We are also in a crisis as a country where cases of sexual and gender-based violence continue to rise. Let us embrace dialogue in our families to foster mutual respect and build a safe environment for the children who more often than not bear the brunt of violence in the home. Do not murder your partner; if the differences are irreconcilable, kindly walk away,” she advised.
On his part, Kigumo subcounty police commander Bashir Hassan noted that enhanced collaboration between security agencies and members of the public had contributed to a decline in drug and substance abuse and crime in the area.
“We have seen a lot of collaboration between members of the public and the security agents here; notably, cases of crimes have gone down, with stock and farm produce theft, which was so rampant here, significantly reduced. Let us continue cooperating for a safe Kigumo,” he said.
Bashir noted that community policing initiatives have proven to combat criminal activities and urged the residents to continue reporting those criminal activities while assuring them that the information will be held with confidentiality.
During the event, 18 self-help groups and four bodaboda Saccos drawn from Kigumo, Kahumbu, and Muthithi wards received over Sh2.1m NGAAF funds aimed at expanding and strengthening their existing income-generating activities.
“Many youths have embraced the boda boda sector because employment opportunities are limited and this sector offers a steady income. Such empowerments gives us hope and encourages us to work hard instead of relying on handouts,” observed Peter Mwangi, chairperson of area four boda boda youth group.
He noted that they will use the funds prudently so as to continuously empower their 14 members
The group was among those who received Sh100,000 non-refundable NGAAF funds to strengthen their activities.
By Florence Kinyua
