Days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen linked Kenyan youth social media activism to mental health challenges, human rights and lobby groups have condemned his remarks and issued demands.
Inuka Kenya ni Sisi, a lobby group championing for the wellness of civic actors in the East African region, lashed out at the CS, terming his comments as not only misleading but also exacerbating stigma against those seeking mental health support.
In a statement signed by the lobby's Chief Executive Officer, Kawive Wambua, and seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the group maintained that Murkomen's comments threatened to undermine the strides made in promoting mental wellness in Kenya.
''We are deeply concerned by the recent remarks made by the Cabinet Secretary in charge of Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, during the worship and anniversary celebrations at AIC Makutano, North Imenti, on Sunday, March 30, 2025,'' the statement from Inuka Kenya ni Sisi read in part.
''His statement claiming that many young people posting 'hateful messages' on social media are battling mental health issues caused by narcotics and liquor addiction is not only misleading but also exacerbates stigma against those seeking mental health support. Such remarks contribute to the profiling of individuals suffering from mental illness and undermine the significant strides made in promoting mental health awareness and care,'' it added.
In its demands, the lobby has urged Murkomen to issue a public apology for the remarks he made and commit as part of the government to support the full implementation of mental health policies, including those from the Mental Health Task Force and the National Mental Health Action Plan.
''In light of these concerns, we strongly urge the said Cabinet Secretary to immediately and unreservedly issue a public apology to young people battling mental illness and the country at large for the stigmatising remarks,'' the lobby added.
Further, it demanded that the government focus rather than having its officers issue blanket and stigmatising remarks on the promotion of mental health in Kenya.
Additionally, Murkomen was urged to push the government to increase the mental health budget allocation from the current 0.04 to at least 5 per cent, as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
"Develop a national program to improve mental health infrastructure, ensuring better access to treatment and rehabilitation services across the country."
According to mental health experts, the lack of investment in mental health by the government has resulted in a shortage of facilities, personnel, and supplies, widespread stigma, and a lack of information on mental health and related conditions.
Additionally, mental health conditions constitute a significant part of Kenya's disease burden, accounting for 13 per cent of the total.
According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030), 25 per cent of outpatients and 40 per cent of inpatients suffer from mental illness.
