President Uhuru Kenyatta has made a passionate plea asking Kenyans to be their brothers’ keeper and help end the rampant cases of suicides and femicides.
Speaking during the Madaraka Day Celebrations in Narok County, Uhuru said that as a father and grandfather, it pains him to see the distress and anguish in the faces of family members who are left behind by one, who felt that life offered them no other option.
“I am encouraging all Kenyans to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keeper. Check up on your Family Members and Friends; be their safe harbour. A little caring, in a world where we have become too busy for one another, goes a long way.” Uhuru said.
The President also urged employers and learning institutions to invest more time and resources in monitoring and facilitating the mental well-being of their charges.
Depression has become a common phenomenon and it affects persons from all walks of life and ages. I urge employers and learning institutions to invest more time and resources in monitoring and facilitating the mental well-being of their charges ~President Kenyatta #MadarakaDay
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) June 1, 2019
He asked all Kenyans struggling with depression to reach out and seek for help. At the same time, the President directed the Ministry of Health to formulate appropriate policy to counter the runaway suicide rates.
I therefore direct the Ministry of Health in consultation with County Governments, Ministries of Education, Labour & Social Protection and Public Service, Youth & Gender Affairs, to formulate an appropriate policy response ~President Kenyatta #MadarakaDay #TusongeMbelePamoja
— State House Kenya (@StateHouseKenya) June 1, 2019
The horror of violence against women has become almost a norm in Kenya, in recent times. The high profiles murders include Sharon Otieno and Monica Kimani.
On Friday, during a vigil at the University of Nairobi, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i, it was revealed that police receive at least 5 cases of violence each day.
“when you start the day, no one breaks good news, it is very rare for this to happen.”The CS disclosed that two weeks ago, a pregnant woman and her seven-year-old child were killed in their house in Matungu, Kakamega County. One of the suspects has appeared in court at least 21 times, charged with different crimes.He regretted that aggression and beastly acts against women and children were eroding societal values.“I will not pretend about this, it is frustrating and very concerning to the country the level of violence among us,” said the CS.