Rights groups and medical professionals have welcomed a landmark ruling by Kenya’s High Court declaring it unconstitutional to treat attempted suicide as a crime.
While suicide itself remains illegal in Kenya, individuals who attempt suicide currently face misdemeanor charges, punishable by fines and up to two years of imprisonment.
The court ruling deemed this legislation discriminatory and unconstitutional.
The Kenyan National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), which actively participated in the legal challenge, hailed this ruling as a significant step forward in addressing mental health issues in the country.
The KNCHR emphasized that this decision will help to reduce stigma and discrimination surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about these critical issues.
Dr. Chitayi Murabula, president of the Kenya Psychiatric Association, called for the immediate release of all individuals currently incarcerated for attempted suicide and urged the swift passage of a bill currently before parliament that aims to decriminalize other aspects of mental illness.
This ruling comes amidst growing global recognition of the importance of mental health and the need to address the stigma surrounding suicide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the alarmingly high rates of suicide in Africa, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
