Kisii County Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have called upon stakeholders in the health sector to create awareness on mental health to prevent further incidences of murder that have been witnessed in the region.
Speaking after attending the burial of two children who were allegedly killed by their father in Nyamache Sub County, the law makers decried the increase in mental health challenges among the community members.
Led by Nyacheki Ward MCA, Naftali Onkoba, the MCAs said there is need for Kisii County government and health stakeholders to work together in addressing mental health issues.
Onkoba said he will table a motion in the County Assembly for the development of Kisii County Mental Health Policy to provide interventions for mitigating the burden of mental health problems and disorders in Kisii.
In addition, the Ward Rep pointed out the need to train community health volunteers on how to identify people with mental challenges and refer them for treatment in health facilities.
“When community health volunteers are provided with a stipend, they will be able to sensitize the community members on mental health matters and we will not experience any further killings in the county,” said Onkoba.
Kisii Woman Representative, Dorice Aburi noted there is an increase in drug and alcohol abuse in the county adding that these vices have led to an increase in insecurity within the region.
She urged the national government to beef up security in the county in order to curb the rising murder cases that are being reported in Kisii.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) is holding a four-day public inquiry in Kisii town to find out the cause of the rampant killings in Kisii.
During the public inquiry, the Commission will also offer free legal aid services to members of the general public.
Speaking to the press, KNCHR Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Bernard Mogesa said they are meeting various stakeholders in the county to investigate the alarming cases of human rights violations in the region.
Dr. Mogesa said they are determined to protect the rights of all Kenyans and encouraged residents to submit their thoughts on the killings adding that they will be protected.
The CEO noted the need to work with all stakeholders including those in education, clergy, county and national governments in eradicating all forms of violations of human rights in Kisii.
By Mercy Osongo and Doris Sabera
