Days after Kiambu County Women Representative Anne Wamuratha extended a helping hand to families grappling with recent school tragedies, parents and students have begun trickling into her offices, seeking solace and emotional relief.
The initiative, which offers free professional psychological support, has seen a steady influx of affected individuals—a clear indicator of the deep-seated trauma and the urgent need for mental health intervention in the region.
The voluntary services, stationed at the Kirigiti constituency office, are specifically tailored to support students from Utumishi and other heavily affected schools, alongside their distraught families.
For many parents, the gesture is a lifeline. In the wake of recent tragic events that have shaken the core of local learning institutions, navigating the emotional aftermath has been an uphill task for families, many of whom cannot afford private therapy.
“We are seeing a community that is hurting but willing to heal,” said one of the attending professional counselors. “The voluntary turnout proves that breaking the stigma around mental health is possible when resources are made accessible.”
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Speaking during a counseling session, Hon. Anne Wamuratha emphasized that the initiative is entirely free of charge, aiming to remove any financial barriers to mental healthcare. She urged anyone harboring emotional distress not to suffer in silence.
“I am appealing to you, if you, your child, a family member, or someone you know is struggling emotionally, please make your way to my office at Kirigiti. We are here to listen, support, and walk with you toward healing.” Said Wamuratha
“My office remains open to all. Welcome as we walk through this together,” she added, reinforcing her commitment to standing with the community during this dark period.
The desk at Kirigiti has been equipped with certified trauma specialists trained to handle Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and acute grief.
The sessions aim to achieve emotional stabilization by helping students process the immediate shock of the tragedies.
Coping mechanisms by providing parents with tools to identify signs of depression and anxiety in their children and long-term healing by creating a safe, confidential space for families to vent and rebuild resilience.
As the program continues, local leaders and residents have praised the timely intervention, noting that addressing the psychological scars of students is paramount to ensuring they safely integrate back into their academic routines.
With the doors remaining open to the public daily, the initiative is expected to go a long way in helping Kiambu families cope, heal, and find strength in solidarity.
By Felix Wanderi
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