President Uhuru Kenyatta has directed ministries to formulate policies to address depression in the wake of brutal killings targeting women.
Speaking during Madaraka Day celebrations at Narok Stadium, he asked ministries of Health, Public Service and Youth Affairs to help curb the worrying cases.
“As a father, I am anguished seeing families mourning their beloved killed by another person. Depression has become a phenomenon and should be addressed,” said President Kenyatta.
He also asked employers to invest resources in monitoring the well-being of employees to avert depression-related deaths.
Kenyatta urged people battling depression to come out and speak instead of suffering in silence.
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“Those feeling depressed should come forth and speak up. You are not alone,” he said.
The President advised the public to be checking on their families to detect possible cases of depression.
He also warned those with intentions to kill to desist from the same as the law will take its course. “There can never be any reason or justification of someone taking another person’s life. The law shall be applied indiscriminately against such,” said Kenyatta.
The President also asked the clergy and elders to counsel young men on the value of humanity.
Lately, there has been increase in cases of crime of passion involving youthful Kenyans.
And female MPs have launched an initiative to educate the public on the need to value lives.
The initiative dubbed “Her Life Matters” is being championed by more than 20 MPs and other leaders.