ELDORET, Kenya – Dr. John Kibosia, the former CEO of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, has called for urgent action to address the growing crisis of femicide and gender-based violence in Kenya, citing mental health issues as a key driver.
Speaking during a forum in Eldoret on Wednesday, Dr. Kibosia emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue, which has drawn increasing concern from Catholic bishops and other religious leaders.
“The alarming rise in femicide and gender-based violence signals a deeper crisis in mental health and societal values,” Dr. Kibosia stated. “As someone with experience in public health and Kenya’s criminal justice systems, I believe this requires coordinated action involving mental health specialists and broader community efforts.”
Dr. Kibosia pointed to untreated mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders—as critical contributors to violent behavior.
He highlighted how these conditions often manifest in aggressive or impulsive actions, further exacerbated by substance abuse, trauma, and societal stigma.
“These factors create a dangerous cocktail that fosters violence,” he explained, urging the government to prioritize mental health resources, including the training of more psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
Beyond expanding mental health care, Dr. Kibosia advocated for addressing drug and alcohol abuse, which he described as major enablers of violence.
He also emphasized the need for religious leaders to play an active role in raising awareness, providing support, and lobbying for policy reforms.
“We need a multifaceted approach,” he said. “This includes enhancing mental health care, combating substance abuse, and fostering societal respect for women. Femicide is not just a criminal issue—it’s a public health and moral crisis.”
Dr. Kibosia urged the government to treat femicide as a pressing public health concern, noting that its prevalence reflects broader psychological and cultural challenges.
He called for immediate, strategic measures to ensure women’s safety and dignity while addressing the root causes of violence.
“Kenya must act now to stem this tide of violence,” he concluded. “Every woman deserves respect, and every citizen deserves to live without fear.”
Speaking during a forum in Eldoret on Wednesday, Dr. Kibosia emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle the issue, which has drawn increasing concern from Catholic bishops and other religious leaders.
“The alarming rise in femicide and gender-based violence signals a deeper crisis in mental health and societal values,” Dr. Kibosia stated. “As someone with experience in public health and Kenya’s criminal justice systems, I believe this requires coordinated action involving mental health specialists and broader community efforts.”
Dr. Kibosia pointed to untreated mental health conditions—such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders—as critical contributors to violent behavior.
He highlighted how these conditions often manifest in aggressive or impulsive actions, further exacerbated by substance abuse, trauma, and societal stigma.
“These factors create a dangerous cocktail that fosters violence,” he explained, urging the government to prioritize mental health resources, including the training of more psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors.
Beyond expanding mental health care, Dr. Kibosia advocated for addressing drug and alcohol abuse, which he described as major enablers of violence.
He also emphasized the need for religious leaders to play an active role in raising awareness, providing support, and lobbying for policy reforms.
“We need a multifaceted approach,” he said. “This includes enhancing mental health care, combating substance abuse, and fostering societal respect for women. Femicide is not just a criminal issue—it’s a public health and moral crisis.”
Dr. Kibosia urged the government to treat femicide as a pressing public health concern, noting that its prevalence reflects broader psychological and cultural challenges.
He called for immediate, strategic measures to ensure women’s safety and dignity while addressing the root causes of violence.
“Kenya must act now to stem this tide of violence,” he concluded. “Every woman deserves respect, and every citizen deserves to live without fear.”
