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At just 16 years old, Samir Hussein was thrust into a life she did not choose. Married off as a teenager with little knowledge of her rights, marital abuse, or family planning, she soon found herself overwhelmed by the burdens of motherhood and domestic violence. Over the next few years, Samir gave birth to five children, tragically losing one while enduring increasing neglect and abuse from her husband.

Her situation worsened as she entered her mid-twenties. Her husband, once merely distant, turned violent. He physically abused her, refused to provide for the children, and completely abandoned his responsibilities as a partner and parent. Isolated and emotionally drained, Samir had no idea where to turn until a chance encounter changed everything.

A turning point came when she attended a community legal awareness forum organized by the Kamukunji Justice Centre. There, she met Halima Ibrahim, a paralegal who immediately referred her to Kituo cha Sheria, a legal aid organization that supports vulnerable individuals seeking justice.

At Kituo cha Sheria, Samir received both legal and psychosocial support. She was educated about her rights, given counselling, and assisted in pursuing action through the Alternative Justice System (AJS), a community-led dispute resolution method. Through this intervention, her husband was compelled to take responsibility. Though the couple separated, he agreed to contribute to the children’s education and upkeep.

Kituo’s counselling services also played a key role in Samir’s recovery from years of emotional and psychological trauma. Now mentally stable and rebuilding her life, Samir has become an advocate for other women in her community, helping them understand their rights and access justice.

Samir thanked Kituo cha Sheria for stepping in during her most difficult time. “I am proud that I now know my rights and I can educate others on theirs,” she said. She urged others in abusive relationships to seek help. “To anyone out there suffering in silence, go to Kituo cha Sheria. You will learn your rights, and you can also empower others.”

Her journey underscores the importance of legal empowerment in protecting the rights and dignity of women in vulnerable circumstances. Kituo cha Sheria continues to use community outreach, legal aid, and alternative justice approaches to restore hope and justice for people like Samir across the country.

Watch the story here; https://youtu.be/AKO4OgEmBlw

Story by; Rony Alal

In 2017, Margaret Amango Jumba’s life took a painful turn. After seven years of dedicated service as a house help to Ms. Julie Ondeyo, her employment was abruptly and unfairly terminated not through a formal discussion or proper notice, but via a cold and impersonal text message. Ms. Ondeyo had also promised to pay Margaret her terminal dues, a promise she never fulfilled. As for Margaret, this was not just the loss of a job, it was a violation of her dignity and rights.

With nowhere else to turn to, Margaret confided to a friend who told her about Kituo cha Sheria – Legal Advice Centre, a beacon of hope for many workers in Kenya’s informal sector. She visited Kituo’s offices and met the then Legal Officer, Mr. John Mwariri, who listened to her story with empathy and resolve. After thorough screening, Kituo took up her case and immediately sent a demand letter to Ms. Ondeyo. Unfortunately, the letter was ignored. Follow-up efforts were met with silence. When Kituo attempted to serve Ms. Ondeyo personally, she allegedly used her staff to intimidate both Margaret and the organization’s officers.

Determined to seek justice, Kituo cha Sheria filed a case on Margaret’s behalf at the Employment and Labour Relations Court (ELRC), Milimani, under case number ELRC/1001/2017. Despite being duly served and receiving legal notices, Ms. Ondeyo consistently failed to respond or appear in Court.

On 28th February 2024, after years of perseverance, Hon. Justice Dr. Jacob Gakeri delivered a judgment in favor of Margaret Amango Jumba. The court awarded her Kshs. 300,000 for unfair termination and unpaid dues. However, even after this decisive ruling, Ms. Ondeyo refused to accept service of the court judgment and failed to comply with the order.

In response, the court issued a warrant of arrest against her. To enforce the ruling, Kituo cha Sheria hired a private investigator to trace Ms. Ondeyo’s whereabouts and locate her place of work. It was through this intervention that she was finally served. Faced with mounting legal pressure, Ms. Ondeyo eventually complied and made the full payment.

Margaret expressed deep gratitude to Kituo cha Sheria for standing by her throughout the ordeal. She shared that, through this journey, she has been legally empowered and had a better understanding of her rights and the courage to stand up for them. What began as a painful injustice has transformed into a powerful story of resilience and triumph.

This case is not just a personal victory, it is a win for all domestic workers, vulnerable employees, and every Kenyan who believes in the promise of the Constitution and the power of fair labour practices. Margaret’s story is a testament to the importance of accessible legal aid and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Written by; Rony Alal

Every May, the world pauses to observe Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital opportunity to reflect, connect, and take meaningful action on the realities of mental well-being. This year’s theme, “Unmasking Mental Health,” offers a powerful invitation: to remove the layers we often hide behind and speak openly about our emotions, our needs, and our healing journeys. It calls on us to create safe spaces, normalize difficult conversations, and build strong community support systems where no one has to navigate mental health challenges alone.

The idea of unmasking is deeply symbolic. In a world that frequently values productivity over personal well-being, many people are pressured to conceal their pain behind smiles and suffer in silence. To unmask mental health is to bravely acknowledge our inner battles and allow others the same freedom, without fear of stigma or shame. It means embracing our authentic selves not only in private, but also in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities. True change begins when we recognize that mental health is not an individual burden, but a shared responsibility.

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we are faced with a critical question: What lasting impact has it made? Beyond social media posts and organized events, have we seen a meaningful shift in how society understands and addresses mental well-being?

Mental health must not be treated as a seasonal topic or a once-a-year campaign. It deserves a permanent place in our daily conversations and actions. Our minds are with us every day just like our bodies. Mental well-being is essential to how we live, connect, and thrive.

Unmasking mental health means stripping away the silence, fear, and stigma that too often surround it. It means recognizing self-care not as a luxury, but as a necessity. Whether through rest, reflection, meaningful connection, or professional support, we must prioritize what works for people of all ages children, youth, adults, and the elderly so that everyone has the opportunity to attain and sustain good mental health.

One of the most impactful steps we can take is integrating mental health education into school curriculums. From an early age, children should learn that it is okay to talk about their feelings, ask for help, and support one another. Normalizing mental health discussions in education lays the foundation for a generation that is emotionally intelligent, resilient, and compassionate.

But the work cannot end here. As we move beyond the month of May, let us continue to support one another. Let us listen without judgment, speak with kindness, and act with empathy. Together, we can break the silence, dismantle the stigma, and build a society where mental well-being is not only recognized but fully embraced.

As we reflect on Mental Health Awareness Month 2025, one truth stands out: Unmasking Mental Health is more than just a theme it’s a movement. It calls us to move beyond awareness into sustained action. It urges us to advocate for inclusive policies, foster supportive environments, and honor every part of ourselves and others including the parts we’ve been taught to hide.

Kituo Cha Sheria remains steadfast in its commitment to this work. We will continue to speak up, show up, and stand with all those navigating mental health challenges. Together, we can create a society where mental health is no longer masked in silence, but met with understanding, compassion, and transformative change.

To support this journey, we encourage you to explore practical ways of unmasking mental health in everyday life. Watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnPEK_uqpn0&t=29s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElVo7_oekSc&t=300s  for insights on creating a supportive, stigma-free environment. These resources remind us that unmasking begins with awareness—but must lead to action.

By Rony Alal