Cleric links femicide to harsh economic times

A Nakuru cleric has linked femicide cases to the harsh economic times families are facing.

Economic hardships are pushing some family members to sudden bursts of anger, said Anglican Church of Kenya Nakuru Diocese Bishop Anthony Mambo.

The high cost of living, he added, has put immense pressure on families, leading to depression, gender-based violence and suicides.

Mambo called on anyone who suspects he is depressed to seek counselling.

“Many Kenyans are going through hard times and that is the reason we are witnessing cases of suicide. … But again the government should act and help Kenyans out of the harsh situation,” he said.

Economic crisis

Mambo reiterated the Church’s call to President William Ruto’s administration to address the economic crisis.

He spoke at Rohi Girls High School in Lanet, Nakuru county, at the end of a one-week camp meeting of over 1,000 ACK youths.

Kenyans, he said, pay heavy taxes and this should be reflected in development and better service delivery to the people.

He added that the Anglican Church in Kenya supports Catholic bishops’ call to government officials to stop talking and act to help Kenyans.

“As a Church, we have made our stand clear through our Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit that the government should fulfil the promises it made to Kenyans. It is not time to talk but to act,” he said.

He called on Kenyans not to despair in seeking justice and putting the government of the day on its toes.

With the political opposition now part of the government, he said, the Church will play its role in pressing for better governance and services for citizens.