ADELLE ONYANGO CELEBRATES THE DECRIMINALISATION OF SUICIDE IN KENYA

Media personality Adelle Onyango has applauded the government’s move to decriminalise suicide, terming it a monumental step forward for mental health awareness and support. Sharing her thoughts on social media, Adelle said “Incredible news c/o @hakiknchr! Please scroll to see the articles 27, 28 & 43 that section 226 of the penal code violated.” 

She shared how the criminalisation of suicide mirrored societal attitudes toward mental health, stating, “Our laws on suicide reflected our attitude towards mental health. We could advocate ourselves black & blue on matters mental health, but the law reflected ‘vitu kwa ground’ criminalising instead of figuring out how to better support people.” 

She urged society to extend grace to individuals grappling with suicidal ideation and ensure that cultural practices do not dishonour those who lose their lives to suicide. “Now to ensure culturally we don’t shun those who die via suicide by stripping their funerals of honour and blaming it on culture,” she noted. 

Adelle also called for accessible psychosocial resources and pointed out the link between poor governance and mental health challenges, “I also think there is no way we can separate poor leadership & governance from matters mental health – this we can unpack later. For now, a win is a win,” she concluded.