Human rights groups in the Western region want suicide decriminalised as part of efforts to address mental health issues and assist those affected.
Members of the Tinada Youth Organisation, Nyarwek, Gender Dialogues and Trans Alliance met in Kisumu to discuss mental health issues and stigma and its effects during the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia marked on May 17.
Tinada programmes coordinator Mike Wanjengu said decriminalising suicide will be the first step towards reducing cases of mental illnesses.
In case it is a failed suicide attempt, the person will be in trouble with the law yet the cause of the problem is not addressed,” he said.
Ms Caroline Rucah, the head of programmes at Nyarwek, urged the government to spearhead a multisectoral approach to respond to the mental health challenges in the country.
