Kipchumba Murkomen, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Interior, recently made controversial remarks about the country’s youth, claiming that most of them are struggling with mental health issues due to drug abuse, including alcohol. The comments, made during a church service on March 30 at AIC Makutano, quickly sparked backlash, particularly from comedian Eric Omondi, who wasted no time in responding to the accusations.
Murkomen’s Claims: A Reflection of Society’s Challenges?
Murkomen accused young Kenyans, especially those active on social media, of being mentally unstable, attributing their frustrations and hateful online behavior to substance abuse. He went on to state that many of these youths are so “destroyed” by mental health struggles that they rarely leave their homes. His comments have been heavily criticized for lacking evidence and for diverting attention away from the root causes of youth frustration in Kenya—issues like unemployment, poverty, and the ever-growing cost of living.
“Most of the young people who write hateful messages on social media are struggling with mental health issues,” Murkomen said. “They are addicted to drugs, including alcohol, and they can’t even leave their homes.”
Eric Omondi Responds: A Call for Accountability
Eric Omondi, known for his outspoken views on social and political matters, was quick to respond to Murkomen’s statements. In an interview with TUKO.co.ke at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport on the same day, Omondi questioned why the CS would focus on the mental health of young people without acknowledging the real-life struggles they face.
“Why would the CS say such things about young people who are unemployed, haven’t paid school fees, and are having their houses locked for failing to pay rent?” Omondi remarked. He emphasized that the youth’s frustrations are linked to these harsh realities, not just mental health or drug abuse.
Omondi also reflected on his own efforts to address the struggles of Kenya’s youth, recalling a personal project where he helped build a school structure in Turkana, only to see it destroyed by local leadership while a church, allegedly receiving millions, was prioritized instead. “Where are the priorities?” he asked. “A school is without a classroom, and children are studying under the sun. But some church gets millions.”
The Public Reaction: A Divided Nation
Omondi’s response resonated with many Kenyans who shared their frustrations on social media. Some criticized Murkomen for deflecting attention from real problems, with user @yusuf_mahatt commenting, “Minister from a third-world country claims citizens pointing out government corruption are suffering from mental health issues.”
Others were more direct, with @JonDefChess stating, “Create jobs for the youth. Wataacha matusi” (They’ll stop insulting when they have jobs). The general sentiment from many citizens was clear: addressing mental health is important, but it’s equally crucial to tackle the underlying economic and social issues that drive youth frustration.
Kenyans like @Nuskaren also questioned the government’s handling of drug issues, pointing out that Murkomen, as the Interior CS, is in a position to address these challenges rather than blaming the youth for the country’s broader problems.
Murkomen’s Oversight: A Missed Opportunity for Dialogue
While Murkomen’s comments were certainly attention-grabbing, many believe he missed an opportunity to engage in a more meaningful discussion about the issues affecting Kenyan youth. Instead of addressing the systemic problems contributing to youth disenfranchisement, his remarks only seemed to undermine their frustrations by attributing them to drug abuse and mental illness, thus painting a broad and potentially misleading picture.
As the debate continues to unfold, it remains clear that Kenyan youth are facing challenges that go far beyond the narrative of mental health struggles. The real questions that need to be answered are why jobs remain scarce, why education and healthcare systems are underfunded, and why politicians continue to overlook the needs of the younger generation.
Eric Omondi’s fiery response to Kipchumba Murkomen highlights the deepening divide between the Kenyan leadership and its youth. The call for real solutions is louder than ever, with young people demanding more than just words—they want tangible action that addresses their daily struggles. Until these issues are confronted head-on, it’s likely that the frustrations of Kenya’s youth will only continue to grow.
