Dr. Njenga said often people especially the media has been spreading stigma by referring to mentally ill persons as ‘mad people’.
Dr. Njenga made the remarks during the National Convention held at the Kenyatta International Convention Center in Nairobi where several organized groups presented their oral and written submissions on how mental health can be dealt with in the country.
He said the taskforce will vouch for decriminalization of suicide saying those who attempt to take their lives are not criminals but patients who need medical care.
In the public hearing some groups felt that persons aspiring to vie for political office need to submit a report on their mental status before being allowed to occupy the public offices.
The taskforce will hold forums for special groups, including youth, ministries and government agencies, care givers, non- governmental organizations and professionals before the end of this week.
A total of 330 members of the public attended the open forum and 60 written memorandums were submitted.
The taskforce is expected to submit its final report to the Cabinet Secretary for Health on the 28th of February 2020.
