By Nairobi County GPS
Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko has called for quick interventions to arrest the increasing cases of killings and suicides caused by depression.
In the recent past, the country has witnessed worrying cases of spouses, couples and partners attacking each other resulting in death.
Sonko said the violence meted against women in the country is worrying and must be addressed.
He spoke during the Mothers’ Honors Awards and International Mothers’ Day celebrations at Light International Academy in Nairobi.
His wife Primrose Mbuvi received the Mothers’ Honors Award for her humanitarian work which has seen her empower women and vulnerable children.
Sonko said men should care more about their women and should not beat or kill them.
“I have been supportive of my wife and that is why she has been able to contribute more to the society. This is why today she has been honored,” Sonko said.
He said cases where uniformed officers turn their guns on their women, university students attack their colleagues and couples who have lived well together suddenly harm one another are inexplicable.
He said the health sector must become responsive and deal with increased cases of depression and suicide.
The Governor said action must be taken to address postpartum depression.
“Many mothers who have given birth suffer from this condition which comes with feelings of helplessness, lack of support, and in some extreme cases, suicidal feelings,” he said.
He directed the medical superintendents in all county hospitals to scale up psychological care for new mothers, including having counselors to offer emotional support.
He urged the men in the country to be responsive to their women and engage in candid discussions about the affirmative action laws that seek to increase the number of women in legislative and leadership bodies like Parliament.
“We have seen that whenever this Bill comes up for debate and voting in the National Assembly, many men MPs walk out leading to lack of quorum.
“If affirmative action is something that will not work because men will not support it, then we should find other ways to ensure that we have more women at the decision-making table,” said Sonko.
He added that his administration recognizes the special place that women hold in the society and that is why the county has provided a good environment for women in county facilities.
“We shall continue to do more to ensure a high rate of child survival, and reduce the number of women who die while giving birth. No one should die when bringing forth life,” Sonko said.