The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The State is intensifying efforts to expand counselling and rehabilitation services as part of interventions to curb rising mental health challenges in the country.
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Speaking in Nyeri during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen warned that mental health issues could spiral if left unchecked, citing drug abuse and consumption of illicit brews as major triggers.
“It is alarming that we are losing an average of eight people every month to suicide. In just two months, 16 lives have been lost. This is unacceptable, and we must urgently encourage rehabilitation,” Murkomen said, stressing that men remain the most affected.
The CS said his ministry would work closely with Nacada, county governments, and local leaders—including clergy and chiefs—to strengthen counselling services and provide community-based support.
His sentiments come weeks after county commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi revealed suicide cases were on the rise, particularly in Kieni East, Kieni West, and Mukurwe-ini, where most victims were men.
“Almost daily we are losing lives, with men often resorting to hanging themselves near their homes. Some even walk into my office with ropes, confessing they were ready to end their lives,” Mwiwawi said, urging the community to take the issue seriously.
On illicit brews, Murkomen disclosed that security teams had dismantled a supply chain smuggling ethanol into Nanyuki for distribution to surrounding towns. He said a multi-agency task force comprising KRA, Nacada, police, and Kebs would be established to intensify the crackdown.
The CS further cautioned politicians against exploiting youth to fuel violence, warning that the government would not tolerate lawlessness disguised as political expression.
“Every Kenyan has the right to protest, but it must be peaceful and within the law. We cannot allow the destruction of shops, vehicles, and police stations in the name of politics,” he said.
Murkomen was accompanied by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputy Gilbert Masengeli, Central Regional Commissioner Joshua Nkanatha, Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, and Kieni MP Njoroge Wainaina.
