The mental health of Kenyans has come under the spotlight after several disturbing news stories in recent weeks. Three stories in particular highlight the urgent need for mental health awareness and support in the country.
The first story involves a controversial pastor, Paul Mackenzie, who is currently in police custody after his followers were found buried in mass graves. According to police, Mackenzie directed his followers to fast to death so that they could meet Jesus.
Detectives have rescued 17 severely malnourished people who claimed to be followers of Mackenzie and his church. It is clear that the people who followed Mackenzie suffered from a severe lack of mental health support, leading to tragic consequences.
It is crucial to raise awareness and education around the dangers of extremist religious beliefs and cults. This can be done through community outreach programs, counseling, and support for individuals who may be at risk of falling prey to such teachings.
It is also important to hold leaders like Pastor Mackenzie accountable for their actions and prevent them from exploiting vulnerable individuals for their own gain.
Additionally, law enforcement and regulatory bodies must be vigilant in monitoring and investigating any organizations or individuals promoting dangerous or harmful beliefs.
Read Also: Jeff Mwathi’s Family to Wait for 3 Months to know Cause of his Death
The other incident involves a mother who allegedly killed and ate the organs of her two-year-old child. Olivia Naserian is accused of stabbing her baby several times while singing hymns, before consuming some of the child’s internal organs.
The mother has been detained pending investigations, with police saying they need to determine whether she has a mental illness.
Not justifying what the mother did but the horrific incident highlights the need for better mental health services and support, particularly for new mothers who may be struggling with postpartum mental health issues.
In cases where mental health issues may have contributed to criminal behavior, it is important to have a thorough investigation to determine the individual’s mental state and ensure that appropriate measures are taken, such as treatment or confinement.
The third story involves a 22-year-old woman who was stabbed to death by her lover inside a Kitengela eatery. The two had been in an on-and-off relationship, and the woman’s colleagues say they did not suspect it would end so tragically.
The incident underscores the need for more education around healthy relationships, as well as the importance of mental health support for individuals who may be struggling with anger management or other emotional issues.
It’s important to recognize the signs of an unhealthy relationship and seek help if necessary. Additionally, individuals struggling with anger management or other emotional issues may benefit from therapy or other forms of mental health support. It’s important to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel at Switch TV.
These stories are just a few examples of the mental health challenges facing Kenyans. The stigma around mental health issues is still prevalent in our country, which means that many people may be suffering in silence.
It is crucial that the government and other stakeholders invest in mental health support and education, to ensure that everyone has access to the care and resources they need. By doing so, we can help prevent tragic incidents like those that have been reported in recent weeks.
