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. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen during a meeting with the National Police Service Commission officers on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Photo Kipchumba Murkomen ''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.
