Kameme TV show host Agnes Nonsizi has cautioned men against the stress of the holiday season, citing the rising number of suicide deaths in the country.
Speaking during an interview with Radio47’s Mbaruk Mwalimu, Nonsizi advised men to be mindful of sources of stress during the holidays, revealing that her father died by suicide on New Year’s Eve, 2006.
“Ni kitu ambacho kilileta huzuni mwingi ndani ya maisha yangu. Nilimpoteza baba yangu not in the usual way of old age, ill-health or accident but by suicide. Naikumbuka sana kwa vile tulikuwa tunavuka mwaka, December 31, 2006,” shared Agnes Nonsizi.
Nonsizi indicated that the holidays serve as a constant reminder of her father’s passing, which she described as a devastating experience to undergo as a 16-year-old Form Three student.
“Nilikuwa msichana mdogo sana, in my mid-teens, headed to Form Four. It was in the festive season, wakati kama huu ambapo watu wako na sherehe hapa na pale. Alijaribu kujitoa uhai mara ya kwanza lakini hakufanikiwa hivyo alikuwa hospitalini mwezi wote wa disemba,” she opened up.
The celebrated media personality emphasized the need for men to get help, understand the risk factors for suicide, and identify the warning signs.
“Tuko majira ya Krismasi. Huu msimu unakuja na pressure nyingi sana, haswa kwa wanaume. Kwa hivyo ningependa tujali afya zetu za akili. Nasisitiza wanaume wafanye vulnerabilty assesment ili watafute mbinu ya kufunguka na kuzungumza na mtu bila kuanikwa,” shared Nonsizi.
Nonsizi went on to call for more robust action against suicide noting that the latest demise of Pastor Peterson Mwangi of Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) was a devastating loss.
“Jana niliona jambo la kuhuzunisha sana pale pastor wa JCM ambaye alijitoa uhai. Sio yeye pekee, takwimu zinaonyesha kwamba wanaume wanajitoa uhai kwa hali ya juu sana. Ni vizuri kama wanahabari tuangalie mwonekano wetu wa kurepoti hili jambo na serikali pia iweke mikakati to deploy more psychiatrists to cater for patients under SHA. We can do better,” she advised.
According to reports, Mwangi, who pastored at JCM church in Mtwapa, Mombasa, died by suicide at his father’s farm in Sagana on December 17. He had reportedly been struggling with depression.
In a heartfelt tribute, JCM founder Bishop Ben Kiengei conveyed sorrow over the passing of Mwangi, revealing that the pastor may have not received the necessary support he needed.
“Even if you were at your end, battling it at the top, someone could have heard you… A young soul has departed, promising in servanthood and a bright soul… How I wish you had spoken it out to someone….. One day Depression will also be depressed,” mourned Bishop Kiengei via Facebook.
