Murkomen Under Fire Over Remarks on Gen Z Mental Health, Forced to Apologize
Days after Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen linked Kenyan youth social media activism to mental health issues, human rights and lobby groups have strongly condemned his remarks and issued demands.
Lobby Groups Demand Apology and Action
Inuka Kenya ni Sisi, a group advocating for civic actors’ well-being in East Africa, criticized Murkomen’s comments, calling them misleading and harmful to mental health awareness.
In a statement signed by its CEO, Kawive Wambua, and seen by Gossipa2z.com, the group argued that the CS’s remarks risk undoing the progress made in mental health advocacy 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 continued:
“His statement claiming that many young people posting ‘hateful messages’ on social media suffer from mental health issues due to drug and alcohol addiction is not only misleading but also increases stigma against those seeking mental health support. Such remarks profile individuals with mental illness and undermine efforts to promote mental health awareness and care.”
Calls for Government Commitment to Mental Health
The lobby group issued several demands, urging Murkomen to publicly apologize and commit to supporting mental health policies, including those from the Mental Health Task Force and the National Mental Health Action Plan.
“We strongly urge the Cabinet Secretary to immediately issue a public apology to young people battling mental illness and the country at large for his stigmatizing remarks.”
Additionally, they called on the government to focus on promoting mental health instead of making blanket statements that may discourage those in need from seeking help.
The lobby also demanded an increase in the mental health budget from the current 0.04% to at least 5%, as recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). They also urged the government to develop a national program to improve mental health infrastructure and ensure better access to treatment and rehabilitation services.
Mental Health in Kenya: A Growing Concern
Mental health experts warn that poor government investment in mental health has led to a shortage of facilities, trained personnel, and essential medical supplies. This, combined with widespread stigma and lack of information, has left many Kenyans suffering in silence.
According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015-2030):
- Mental health conditions make up 13% of Kenya’s total disease burden.
- 25% of outpatients and 40% of inpatients suffer from mental illness.
As calls for change grow, many are watching to see if the government will take action to address these pressing issues or continue to downplay the importance of mental health care in the country.
Murkomen Under Fire Over Remarks on Gen Z Mental Health, Forced to Apologize
