Renewed concerns as 680 die by suicide in Mt Kenya region

Kenyans have been urged to speak out and seek help when faced with life's challenges amid growing concern over rising suicide cases in the Mt Kenya region.

Speaking during a National  Government Affirmative Action Fund empowerment programme in Kigumo constituency, Murang'a county, political, religious and community leaders linked the rising suicide cases to depression, family conflicts and drug and substance abuse, saying many people continue to suffer in silence instead of seeking help.

Murang'a Woman Representative Betty Maina said the statistics paint a worrying picture, noting that every constituency in the region continues to record multiple suicide cases annually.

"If you have a problem, talk to someone close to you. Seek support from your pastor or from someone you trust. The solution to family problems is not taking your own life," Maina said.

She urged families and communities to create safe spaces where people struggling with mental health challenges can freely share their experiences and access support before situations escalate.

The appeal follows a report by the Ministry of Gender showing that 680 people died by suicide in the Mt Kenya region between June last year and April, with Kiambu, Nyeri and Murang'a counties recording the highest number of cases.

The findings have prompted renewed calls for stronger mental health interventions and efforts to tackle drug and substance abuse.

The region has also been grappling with persistent drug and substance abuse, particularly illicit alcohol and narcotics, with leaders and security agencies repeatedly linking addiction to worsening mental health, family conflicts, crime and suicide.

Murang'a is among the counties that have intensified crackdowns on illicit brews while expanding public awareness campaigns to curb addiction.

The leaders also called on religious institutions to strengthen counselling programmes and use their platforms to offer hope, encourage open conversations on mental health and guide those experiencing emotional distress to seek professional help.

Meanwhile, Kigumo subcounty police commander Bashir Hassan said close cooperation between residents and security agencies has significantly reduced crime, including drug and substance abuse, livestock theft and theft of farm produce across the subcounty.

"We used to struggle with these challenges, but because of your cooperation we have managed to bring them down. We thank residents for continuing to work closely with security agencies to keep our communities safe," Hassan said.