Post: Murang’a Leaders Call for United Front Against Mental Health Crisis

Murang'a: Leaders in Murang'a county have called for closer collaboration between the church, the two levels of government, and the public in addressing the rising cases of domestic violence linked to mental health challenges. This follows the recent harrowing incident in Kangema sub-county, Murang'a county, where a young mother stabbed her three children after a domestic dispute, instantly killing two and leaving one critically injured.According to Kenya News Agency, the woman later attempted to end her own life, but she survived the ordeal and surrendered herself to the police, where she is currently in custody, while the surviving child is fighting for his life at the Murang'a Level 5 Hospital. The Kangema tragedy comes amid growing alarm across the country over increasing cases of spousal violence, child abuse, and family disputes escalating into fatalities.Speaking during a visit to condole with the family of Julius Maina, whose children were subjected to the attack, the leaders expressed the urgent need to strengthen alternative dispute resolution methods and mental health support in families. Murang'a Women Representative Betty Maina described the incident as a wake-up call for all sectors of society to act."Let us rally for collaboration between the national government, county governments, the clergy, and members of the public to bring an end to domestic violence. We must normalize dialogue and communication as partners because violence is never the solution, and what happened here should not have happened," she said. Maina urged the church to actively intervene in nourishing the spiritual and emotional well-being of congregations.Her sentiments were echoed by Kangema MP Peter Kihungi, who underscored the importance of exercising restraint and patience in times of family conflict. "Let us practice restraint in moments of anger in our families to avert such crises," he said, adding, "The church has a critical role to play as the moral compass of society and the refuge many turn to in times of diffi culty." While admitting that life challenges in the current times were overwhelming, Kihungi implored the clergy to remain at the forefront in guiding families to resolve conflicts peacefully.During the occasion, Rev. Samuel Mwangi, a local clergy member, also urged families to embrace dialogue and seek wisdom from elders during hardships rather than resorting to violence. "Kindly talk as difficulties have always been there and will continue to be there, but remember, those before you endured and overcame, and so shall it be to you. If you are struggling, look for older men and women, seek their counsel, and find solutions, but never harm yourself or others," Rev. Mwangi pleaded.The grief-stricken villagers present also expressed shock over the incident, with many admitting that the community must now come together to address the rising cases of domestic-related fatalities. The leaders offered assistance to the bereaved family to help in funeral arrangements, while also pledging to escalate issues on the prevention of mental health and domestic violence into a national discourse. They further urged the Ministry of Health to intensify awareness campaigns on mental wellness and counseling programs, especially in rural areas, where cases of depression and family conflicts often go unnoticed, until they erupt into tragedy.