POSSESSED? ILLUMINATI? OR JUST MENTALLY UNWELL?: Debunking the Myths Around Mental Health

Auntie Wairimu is worried.

Her nephew, Kevin, just came home from university for the holidays. But something’s off. He locks himself in his room, barely eats, and claims the neighbour’s dog is spying on him. Then, the real alarm bells, Kevin starts laughing alone and says the TV is speaking in code.

By the time he tells her that “God gave me a mission to save the country,” Auntie Wairimu is dialling the pastor. The diagnosis? Demon possession. Or worse… he’s joined the Illuminati.

Cue the family meeting. The agenda? “Deliver Kevin from the dark forces.”

But Wait… Could It Be Something Else?

Let’s take a breath (sip your tea) and break this down.

What Auntie Wairimu might be seeing is not a spiritual crisis, but a psychological one. Many people in Kenya experience mental health disorders that are misunderstood because the symptoms seem supernatural.

Take schizophrenia, a condition that can cause:

• Hallucinations (hearing voices, seeing things)

• Delusions (believing someone is controlling their mind)

• Paranoia (thinking everyone is watching or plotting)

• Disorganised behaviour (random laughter, mumbling, withdrawal)

In some communities, this is quickly labelled as being cursed or a devil worshipper. But what Kevin might really need is a trained mental health professional, not a midnight exorcism with cooking oil.

We’ve All Heard These Lines:

• "He woke up and started speaking in King James Bible English, must be demons!"

• “She was at the top of her class, then boom, dropped out and now walks barefoot in town. Illuminati!”

• “He said God speaks to him directly. This isn’t normal!”

Truth is, some of these behaviours are signs of:

• Bipolar disorder – During manic episodes, people may feel invincible, speak rapidly, and take reckless actions.

• Psychotic disorders – Can cause people to believe they’re being followed or that they’re someone else entirely.

• Severe depression – Where withdrawal, hopelessness, or unusual behaviour shows up quietly but dangerously.

The Problem with Jumping to Spiritual Conclusions

When we blame mental illness on demons, witchcraft, or cults, this happens:

• People are shamed and suffer in silence.

• They’re taken to “prophets” instead of psychologists.

• Families delay medical treatment, hoping for spiritual miracles.

• And sometimes, individuals are mistreated in the name of “deliverance.”

Let’s be honest, some people have been beaten, stigmatised, or isolated because they were misdiagnosed by the village gossip committee instead of a qualified mental health practitioner.

So How Do We Respond Differently?

Instead of whispering, “Huyo alirogwa” (That one was bewitched),  try these instead:

• “Could they be going through something?”

• “Maybe they need to see a counsellor or psychologist.”

• “How can we support them without judgment?”

Just like you wouldn’t cast out demons for malaria or ulcers, don’t cast out mental illness. Treat it.

Is It Spiritual or Psychological?

Symptom	Common Reaction	Likely Explanation
Hearing voices	“Evil spirits!”	Possible psychosis
Talking to oneself	“Crazy!”	Disorganised thinking
Isolation	“Joined a cult!”	Depression or social anxiety
Grand statements like “I’m the chosen one”	“Illuminati!”	Delusions of grandeur (mania)

What We Need Is More Understanding

We need more:

• Mental health awareness in churches, mosques, and homes.

• Open conversations in families, not just whispers behind closed doors.

• Support groups and affordable counselling centres.

• Fewer “prayer-only” solutions and more prayer plus professional help

Let’s Unlearn the Myths

Auntie Wairimu means well. So does the cousin who suggests smearing ash from Mt. Kenya or the neighbour who claims the devil lives in WhatsApp. But what we really need is to see mental health for what it is, not a curse, not a cult, but a call for care, connection, and clinical support.

Because the true “deliverance” happens when someone finally gets a proper diagnosis, starts therapy, and feels seen, heard, and helped.