Kenyans have taken to social media to mourn the death of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Mental Health Policy and Advocacy Specialist Charity Muturi.
Charity, an award-winning mental health champion, died on November 7, according to her family.
Her sister, Hope Muturi said, “My dear and loving sister, Charity Muturi has passed on. Her beautiful life has impacted many. She has fully lived out her name “Charity” with love and purpose.”
Former Kenya Psychiatric Association (KPA) President Chitayi Murabula mourned Charity’s death describing her as Kenya’s foremost mental health warrior who dedicated her life to creating mental health awareness with passion, honesty and kindness.
“She leaves behind an eternal legacy in mental health advocacy,” he said.
In her condolence message, multimedia journalist Brygettes Ngana described Charity as one of the biggest champions for mental health and wellness in Kenya.
Ngana recalled how Charity fought mental illness and her advocacy for decriminalization of suicide in Kenya.
“You spoke bravely about your bipolar diagnosis and dedicated your life to breaking the barriers, myths and the stigma associated with mental illness,” Ngana said.
“You strongly advocated for decriminalizing suicide in Kenya. The fight is ongoing in court. The ruling on the petition was to be made this month.”
Other Condolence Messages
Counsellor and advocate Njoki Mwangi mourned Charity narrating their story from childhood friends to championing for mental in Kenya and having a special interest in prison ministry together.
“Coincidentally, we have talked a lot in the last couple of days planning a prison visit out of town and a coffee date next week.
My loss is very personal, with secondary losses… I have lost a mental health champion, my friend of prisoners and their families, and old friend,” she said.
Lead Therapist and interventionist at Creative Insights Chris Lyimo said, “Oh Charity Muturi, Oh Charity. Imagine I get it. I’ll miss you regardless. I totally get it. Rest now. The struggle is over. Please rest.”
Counseling Psychologist Isaac Maweu stated that Charity’s death is a loss to the whole country since she was a renowned mental health advocate in Kenya and beyond.
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“It’s a sad moment for many of us in the mental health fraternity as we come to terms with the passing on of Charity Muturi,” he said.
Also Read: Understanding Mental Health
Charity Muturi Profile
At the time of her death, Charity was a court co-petitioner seeking to decriminalize suicide attempt with the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights and Kenya Psychiatric Association.
Charity was an experienced mental health advocate and policy champion from the lens of her lived experience with a mental health condition and caring for parents with 8 NCD.
She has represented the NCD Alliance Global Advisory Committee at the UN General Assembly, WHO, World Bank, World Health Summit, Global United for Mental Health, African Union & Africa CDC.
Also Read: Report Reveals Why Mental Health Issues are High Among TB Patients
Charity has promoted mental health as a top 5 NCD globally joining diabetes, hypertension, cancer & chronic respiratory diseases.
Her advocacy priority has been enabling sustainable patient inclusion in health policy and service delivery with the motto “Nothing for Us Without Us!” on which she co-authored in a UN.
She has influenced patient inclusion in 8 Kenya national health policy committees and led patients in delivering 10 at the National Assembly and Senate Policy Submissions.
Positions She Held
Additionally, she served in the Kenya National Task Force on Mental Health, with the WHO and Ministry of Health Quality Rights for Mental Health training team.
She was passionate about the criminal justice system and sensitized 50 prison and probation stations on mental health through partnering with the Kenya Prisons Service; and Kenya Probation and Aftercare Service.
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