Dr. Edris N. Omondi (Advocate)
attorneyedris@ywcg.org
In recent times, the state of our collective mental health has become of serious concern. A once close-knit society that cherished values as enshrined in our constitution and delved around the societal three magic words- I am Sorry-Forgive me and I love you, seems to be a distant mirage and lost before our very eyes. We have transitioned from giving our public transport seats to the elderly persons and physically challenged to ignoring or arguing expectant mothers out of a queue. The rise in online bullying and insults, political hatred, both physical and emotional mob justice has further amplified our deepening social malfunction. Even the recent death of the former IEBC chair has sparked more anger and jubilation than sympathy, reflecting a complex blend of emotions that highlight the mental health challenges we are currently facing as a nation.
We were a nation that was united through our football, celebrated our heroes and athletes, shared love in small gatherings like birthday parties, participated in ‘harambees’ to take our children to university, celebrated baby showers and new-borns’, and mourned in equal measure whether the departed soul was a friend or a villain.
The question we must ask ourselves is: how did we lose our sense of empathy, and how can we begin to restore the dignity, empathy, and respect that once defined us?
The Growing Crisis: What Are We Facing?
In the past, our communities thrived on respect, kindness, and unity. The loss of these core values is evident in the troubling rise of hate speech, political tribalism, and acts of violence, both on the streets and in the digital sphere. From the tragic instances of physical and emotional mob justice to the violent political disputes that have plagued our past, these challenges suggest that our societal fabric is fraying.
Social media, once hailed as a platform for connecting people, now often serves as a breeding ground for insults and destructive rhetoric, unfortunately we quietly celebrate this! The tendency to politicize even moments of national grief, such as the death of a prominent leader, shows how polarized our emotions have become. Instead of unity in mourning, we see an outpouring of anger and bitterness, in-dignifying our vey social fabric.
Best practices
While the current situation may seem bleak, there are tested best practices we can follow as a nation to restore our social fabric as we knew it, unity, and mental well-being in our society. Countries around the world have implemented strategies that have proven successful in fostering healthier, more empathetic communities. Here are some key practices we can adopt to improve our collective mental health:
1. Promote Mental Health Awareness
Countries like Canada and the UK have integrated mental health into their national health policies, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being. A similar approach here would help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage people to seek help when needed. Mental health education in schools, workplaces, and through media campaigns would go a long way in fostering a culture of well-being.
2. Strengthen Community Ties
A lack of strong community support structures has left many individuals feeling isolated and disconnected. Drawing inspiration from places like Japan and Scandinavia, where community-based programs thrive, we can start rebuilding local networks. Initiatives such as volunteer work, youth mentorship, and community activities can help foster connection and a sense of belonging, especially among the younger generation.
3. Tackle Hate Speech and Tribalism
The destructive impact of hate speech and tribalism is undeniable. We must look to nations like Germany, where laws regulating hate speech and promoting tolerance have been successful. In our context, implementing policies that promote media literacy and digital citizenship can help reduce harmful narratives in the public sphere. Furthermore, engaging political leaders to reduce political toxicity and promote unity over division can help reduce political violence and encourage cross-cultural understanding.
4. Empathy in Political Discourse
One of the key drivers of division in our society is the lack of empathy in political discourse. By following the example of countries like New Zealand, where political leaders consistently advocate for unity and respect, adhere to constitutionalism and the rule of law, can foster to a more empathetic political environment. Political leaders must model respectful dialogue and discourage hatred and divisiveness, especially during times of national crisis.
5. Adopt Alternative Justice Models and Empower Faith-Based Organizations.
Both physical and emotional mob justice is a stark indication of the breakdown of trust in law enforcement. Rather than focusing on punitive measures, models like restorative justice, used in countries like South Africa, could be explored within the context. Restorative justice emphasizes healing and reconciliation, focusing on repairing harm and restoring relationships between offenders and victims. Faith-based organizations can be roped in through this process and by empowering communities to engage in restorative practices, we can reduce violence and build stronger, more resilient communities.
6. Empowerment Through Education
Education is a powerful tool for societal transformation. Countries like Finland have integrated emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and non-violence training into their educational systems with great success. By teaching these values from an early age, we can instil a sense of empathy and respect in the next generation, paving the way for a more compassionate society.
7. Collaborative National Efforts
A national conversation about our shared values and the future we want to build is essential. Countries like South Africa have used truth and reconciliation processes to heal national wounds. A similar initiative could be introduced here, bringing together citizens from diverse communities to discuss issues of trust, unity, and healing.
Pathways to Healing: A National Unity & Mental Health Initiative
The solution to healing our nation lies in a comprehensive national initiative that combines mental health awareness, unity-building programs, stronger regulatory frameworks, and the active involvement of all sectors of society. We need a National Unity and Mental Health Initiative (NUMHI), spearheaded by a coalition of government bodies, civil society organizations, and key institutions like the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education.
This initiative would focus on:
1. Mental health education and support at all levels, from schools to workplaces, ensuring that emotional well-being is prioritized.
2. Community-driven programs that revive traditional values of respect, empathy, and care.
3. Stronger legal frameworks for social media platforms to prevent the spread of hate speech while protecting free expression.
4. National dialogues and inter-community initiatives, fostering unity, understanding, and reconciliation among different groups.
With a united effort and focused collaboration, this initiative could provide the foundation for a healthier, more connected, and harmonious society. We are all called to do good, and by embracing these solutions, we can restore the moral and mental well-being of our nation.
Together, we can build a society where kindness, empathy, and peace are the norms, ensuring a prosperous future for all.
A Call to Action: We Must Choose the Path of Good It is time for us to heal as a society, to restore the values that once held us together, and to build a future where mental well-being, kindness, and unity are at the forefront of our national identity. The journey will be long, but if we work together, we can transform our country into a place where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported, not only transitioned generation like the Gen-Z, but, from Baby boomers to Gen-Alpha.
