The entire nation is still mourning the passing on of the nine young ambitious souls from Moi Girls high school. Their lives were cut short on Saturday morning after their dormitory was set ablaze by one of the students.

According to police investigations, the suspect is said to have attempted to commit suicide severally but no one took note, so she resorted to setting their dormitory on fire on Saturday morning.

"She tried to commit suicide twice. The first time was drinking a detergent and second by suffocating herself with a pillow."

The girl has previously had issues in school, suspension over indiscipline being the latest offense and she kept on threatening to cause harm after her parents refused to transfer her from the school.

The suspect was arraigned in court yesterday and she is currently in police custody.  She is set to be arraigned in the Childrens Court to face murder charges after police are done with investigations.

Well, many have criticized the minor for the heinous act but Catherine Njeri, who attempted committing suicide five times, has come out to defend the young girl

"Did we have to lose nine innocent students for the country to realize that depression is real, and its unchecked effect on suicide victims?

I pity the young girl, I feel her pain, the world may be judging her for being selfish enough to burn an entire dormitory yet she just wanted to take away her life. She had attempted suicide severally, she didn't get proper help that's why she tried it again, this time round taking nine lives instead of hers, plus causing an entire school's activity come to a standstill, as well as the thousands of shillings loss to the school due to the inferno.

Now because of lack of support and stigma that is associated with mental health (the school had expelled her, instead of showing support after her previous suicide attempt, only to recall her later), a young girl, barely sixteen years of age is now labelled an arsonist or murderEr, the trauma itself is so immense for such a young soul, she will never forgive herself. In fact its greater than what pushed her to lose the will to live. Before we condemn her, can we try to understand her? She doesn't need the harsh ridicule or being locked up, she needs therapy and love.

Young girl, have peace knowing that even though an entire nation may condemn you, God has forgiven you and you are so valuable to Him. Your purpose in life regardless of your mistakes is great. I wish I could meet you and reassure you that it is well. I do not know you but would be honoured to make you my project and small sister, our stories could help show the world effects of stigma and lack of support for mental health victims do.

To parents and care givers, hope we have learnt the bitter lesson.

To the government, just as you began focusing on HIV/AIDS should you focus on mental health!"

Njeri's sentiments were echoed by two of her followers and here is what they had to say

Juliet: Something similar happened to me. In form one and I got suspended... I feel for her too. 10th September is world suicide day and I hope I can tell my story.

Junior: It's always good to look the other side of the coin. Well put.

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