The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights now wants the government to withdraw any charges of attempted suicide against the survivors of the Shakahola tragedy.
KNCHR instead wants the focus to be shifted towards counselling, rehabilitation and aftercare support including reintegration of the survivors.
The commission in a statement on Thursday faulted the government move to present the survivors in court to face charges of attempted suicide by failing to eat noting that it does not deter the practice.
The chairperson Roseline Odede said the move instead exacerbates stigma against persons with mental health conditions thus preventing them from reaching out and seeking help.
“Charging the survivors with attempted suicide is inappropriate and will retraumatize the survivors at a time when they most desperately require empathy, intense psycho-social assistance, rehabilitation and community support,” Odede said.
“Sending them to our already congested prisons shall further aggravate their plight including adverse mental health consequences,” she added.
The commission has called on the government to refocus its efforts on saving lives rather than exhumations by rescuing the survivors some of whom it says were fleeing for fear of arrests.
A section of followers of the cult leader Paul Mackenzie could barely walk to Shanzu Law Court on Wednesday after they staged a hunger strike while in police custody.
At least five out of 30 persons who are being held together with Mackenzie had to be supported by police officers to walk to the courtroom.
Police and prosecution sources said they had staged a hunger strike for 10 days.
They were being held in three police stations, Malindi, Kilifi and Watamu.
