A former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer reunited with a psychologist he once threatened to kill. The duo met at an NTV show on Friday, February 25.
Joseph Gitumbe met with Retired Major Wairimu Mukuria, who was a psychologist in KDF before exiting the disciplined forces.
As they were introduced, they shared a light moment and shook hands.
During the Interview, Mukuria revealed that they were still friends with Gitumbe despite his actions. She stated that she understood the officer because of the Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) he was experiencing.
As a retired KDF officer, the psychologist explained that most military officers experience PTSD after their deployment. She revealed that she had her own share of experiences.
"He (Gitumbe) is my friend and I have a lot of love for him. The indication of PTSD is fear. I came to learn that it can even happen by looking at photos. That is what soldiers have taught me. They call PTSD darkness that overshadows all light.
"I have made the deliberate decision to speak to my therapist. I also have mindful things that I do for example Yoga," the psychologist stated.
On his part, Gitumbe stated that he started developing anger issues after he got injured while on duty.
"I really got sick to the point that I was relieved of my duties. One time while we were in the parade, one of the senior officers asked why I was ill and he was told that I had been injured.
"I remember they told me to run and I could not, so I walked. When I came back the officer stated that there were people who were badly injured than me yet they were still working. I was so hurt by the words and I did not confide in anyone," he disclosed.
The ex-military man stated that the feeling pushed him to have anger issues, adding that he would often take it out on people he was close with.
"I was sick and most often than not I would go back and sleep. One day an officer stated that I was not helping the force and that really affected me. I was so bitter because I felt that they were not grateful.
"When I returned home, I took all the anger and assaulted my wife during an altercation. At some point, she got tired and left me," he recalled.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199 for support.
