He added that it also creates stigma and shame for a person who has suicidal behaviour, making it difficult to prevent such cases.

According to the petitioner, Kenya remains one of the few countries that still criminalises attempted suicide.

He referenced other countries that allow mentally ill patients to access the medical treatment services they require.

In a breakdown, the professor said that prosecuting such persons violates Article 43 of the Constitution which states that "every person has the right to the highest attainable standard of health, which includes the right to health care services, including reproductive health care and a person shall not be denied emergency medical treatment."


In response to the petition, National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula forwarded the petition to the Public Petitions Committee for consideration and report the findings to the House.

"Honourable members, having determined that the matters raised by the petitioner are well within the authority of this House and further that the matters raised in this Petition are not pending before any court of law, constitutional or legal body, I hereby commit the petition to the Public Petitions Committee for consideration pursuant to Standing Order 208A," Wetangula said.

The latest data from the World Health Organisation (WHO) said that Kenya's suicidal rate is estimated at 6.1 per 100,000 population, translating to four suicide deaths daily.


Further, the data shows that 42 percent of those in hospitals have symptoms of severe depression.

To address this, the government developed a five year plan outlined in the suicide prevention strategy for 2021–2026,.

Some of the strategies include collaborating with the public and private sectors, providing universal health coverage, using data to come up with solutions, creating awareness, and empowering the vulnerable population.