Kenyan Religious Leaders Call for Urgent Repeal of Suicide Criminalization Law
By Ambrose Otachi
Nairobi, September 15, 2025 – Religious leaders under the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) have issued a powerful appeal for the urgent repeal of laws criminalizing attempted suicide, urging policymakers to prioritize compassion and care over punishment.
Speaking at the Religious Leaders’ Forum on Suicide Prevention and Decriminalization, convened in Nairobi in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Kenya Psychiatric Association, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Aga Khan University’s Brain and Mind Institute, Chiromo Hospital Group, and the Coalition Action for Preventive Mental Health, the clerics drew on sacred texts to highlight their shared conviction that every life is sacred and every individual deserves dignity.
Quoting the Quran, the Manusmriti, and the Bible, the leaders reminded Kenyans of their faith traditions’ emphasis on mercy and compassion. “We are often the first to hear the cries of those contemplating suicide or families grieving unimaginable losses. Therefore, we are compelled to speak,” they said.
Currently, Section 226 of Kenya’s Penal Code criminalizes attempted suicide. According to the leaders, this outdated law reflects a punitive approach to what is, at its core, a mental health and social challenge. “Suicide is not a crime. It reflects deep distress, often connected to mental health issues, trauma, and social stressors. Those who attempt suicide deserve empathy, support, and evidence-based care, not arrest or prosecution,” the statement read.
The religious leaders called on Parliament to repeal Section 226 and align national laws with human rights standards and public health principles. They urged greater investment in mental health services, crisis response systems, and community-based psychosocial support, noting that global evidence—including guidance from the World Health Organization confirms that decriminalization is a life-saving measure.
In a joint pledge, the clerics committed to using their platforms to challenge stigma, provide safe spaces within congregations, collaborate with mental health professionals, and support bereaved families with compassion. “Our faith compels us to stand with those in despair, not to punish them,” they emphasized.
They also offered words of hope to Kenyans struggling with suicidal thoughts: “You are not alone. You are loved. You are valued. You need help, not handcuffs. You need compassion, not condemnation.”
The statement concluded with a united call to replace punishment with care, silence with dialogue, and despair with hope.
