Former Mukurwe-ini Member of Parliament who is also the Nyeri senate Candidate on Narc Kenya ticket Kabando wa Kabando now wants the government to declare mental health a national disaster following high numbers of Kenyans committing suicide.
Speaking in Mweiga during his campaigns, Kabando said that unless mental health is declared a national disaster, Nyeri County risks losing a generation.
“I’m calling upon the government to declare mental health a national disaster, as we have continuously lost young people to suicide especially the young males. It’s shocking that in two months we have lost over 80 people to suicide. Something ought to be done first before we lose an entire generation,” He said.
Kabando said that just like hunger and other disasters the national government should set aside a kitty from the relevant ministries and channel the same into fighting mental health which if not controlled has the potential of wiping out many Kenyans.
The former legislator attributed the high rise of mental illness to financial stress caused by the depressed economy and high consumption of illicit brews.
“Many people are going through mental disorders due to financial distress due to lack of income which has also resulted in family wrangles. Illicit brews are also major contributors to this vice,” he said.
He urged the politicians who are busy mobilizing for votes to also address the issue and also push the government to take the matter seriously.
He urged the government to work hand in hand with the county governments in ensuring that the vice is eradicated.
This comes a day after a 10-year-old grade four boy at Kiamuiru Primary school in Nyeri town constituency was found dangling on a tree.
Nyeri County police commander Steve Oloo said that they have launched investigations to find out what is the cause of the rampant suicide cases in the county.
