Pastor Dorcas Rigathi, on Friday, June 2, narrated growing up in poverty and selling cabbages and potatoes alongside her husband, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, to make ends meet.
While speaking at the Sikika Youth Fest at Mt. Kenya University, she added that her husband used to sell crisps to earn a living and raise their two sons.
"While at Kenyatta University (KU), I would go to Marikiti market, buy vegetables, and supply them at the Muthaiga Golf Course. Riggy G and I would then go to Kariobangi to sell sweets," she recalled.
"He would also go to the market and buy potatoes, and I would make crisps. We used this strategy to supplement our salaries," the second lady added.
While creating awareness on mental health for the youth at the forum, Pastor Dorcas explained contemplating suicide after facing depression.
"We are sensitizing people against stigmatising those suffering from suicide. We demystify mental illness so those suffering can have the courage to talk to anyone around them. Mental health and drugs are robbing our country of a future generation," the pastor lamented.
Additionally, the second lady revealed that her husband fully embraced the nickname 'Riggy G' crafted by youthful Kenyans.
"He dances a lot when he hears that name. It makes him feel young. Whenever I want a favour, I call him Riggy G," she added.
According to Pastor Dorcas, she worked as a maid in her early life, wearing her father's shirt for seven days due to a lack of funds.
"I am here to tell you that you can rise from nothing to something. God had a good plan for me and look at me now," she stated.
On mental health matters, she called on universities and institutions of higher learning to introduce deans and counsellors to address increased depression and mental health cases among university students.
"I look forward to when every university will have a dean and counselors speaking to our students, offering help," she added.
The Office of the Second Lady advocates for establishing and reviving rehabilitation centres.
"In the counties, we are settling up centers to rehabilitate those in need of help. And with the help of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF), it will be easier and accessible to all," Dorcas revealed.
Counselors, 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.
