This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Under Kenyan law, attempted suicide is a crime, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine. This harsh stance has been criticized by experts who argue that it may worsen mental health conditions.
According to the Penal Code, any person who attempts to kill themselves is guilty of a misdemeanor. However, lawyer Donald Rabala explains that the State views life as sacred and that individuals do not have the right to end it.
There has been a rising trend of suicide cases in Kenya, particularly among teens and pre-teens. High costs of living and thin prospects of making a living have been cited as contributing factors. Clinical psychologist Dr. Lincoln Khasakhala argues that the law making suicide a crime should be reviewed, suggesting that individuals who attempt suicide should be taken to an institution for mental health rather than being jailed.
Recent shocking cases of suicide have highlighted the need for a change in approach. A police officer hanged himself using a leso in his bedroom, while an 11-year-old girl wrote a note stating that she would take her life if she committed any sin. A young girl also committed suicide after a teacher scolded her for soiling herself due to her inability to afford a sanitary pad.
Experts point out that depression is the most common cause of suicide, and that mental health issues can also be blamed for rising cases of suicide. Assisted suicide for terminally ill patients is not yet allowed in Kenya, but euthanasia is illegal in the country, although it is legal in some countries.
Finally, guidance and counseling, as well as mental health care, should be taken seriously in Kenya to deal with issues of suicide. In conclusion, the Penal Code that criminalizes suicide should be repealed.
