Featured

Why anger management matters: Community voices, Clergy and Experts weigh in

Written by Nyachae Brian on October 7, 2025

Alex from Bomeroga recounts a time he aimed a panga at his wife:

“I aimed my wife a panga, luckily it didn’t hit her. To date the memory of the incident causes me shivers fearing what would have been my ending. What we were fighting for was minute,”

James from Nyamira beat up her wife four years ago. Since then he chose to be single, fearing the consequences of his anger

“I have raised my four children alone since then, I vowed never to fight again and not to marry,” says James

Alex and James represent many voices of regret because of anger. Their experiences underline how uncontrolled anger can escalate into irreversible damage.

Recently a man was reported to have butchered his wife at Nyamataro, Kisii County in broad daylight. Another man torched his girlfriend and child together with her mother and father at Nyamakoroto in Nyamira County. Many others have also taken their own lives, inflicted pain on themselves and others due to anger.

These experiences underline how quickly uncontrolled anger can escalate into irreversible damage.

Experts agree that anger is a natural human emotion and a dangerous force when left unchecked.

Anyone can be angry

Dr Kennedy Momanyi Bosire, a renowned author enlists raising one’s voice, fist clinching, teeth gnashing and the heart beating fast as some of the signs of anger exhibited by different people

“Any person, young or old, man or woman, is a candidate of anger anytime,” explains Dr Bosire

He further opines that even animals exhibit anger. For him, anger is universal, it differs on how it is expressed, processed and managed.

George Nyakundi(HSC) from Mwanyagetinge Heritage council attributes the rampant anger explosions among some communities on the strenuous and harsh disciplinary upbringing

“Our parents disciplined us brutally. Unfortunately we are using the same measures, and some just paying back,” explains George

He however says there were deliberate efforts through various rites of passage to socialize children on self-restraint and respect

What is the science behind anger?

According to Zipporah Nyariki who is a forensic psychologist, anger expresses itself in various ways.

“The brain once triggered activates fight and flight responses. The hypothalamus coordinates physical reactions. Breathing patterns change, sweating can increase, adrenaline surges and reasoning is overwhelmed by the emotion,” she explains

She further explains that a mix of factors such as family lineage, socio-economic challenges and environmental parameters can be possible triggers of anger

“Most anger issues can be linked to how you were nurtured, poverty, or the environment around you,” she explains

Anger is not always hazardous

Theologians site various Bible excerpts as proof that man is inclined to be angry. According to televangelist Paul Nyamweya, anger is supposed to provoke human beings to correct the wrongs in the society if utilized appropriately

“Any person has some degree of anger. Ephesians 4:26-27 says: ‘In your anger do not sin’. Other verses that explain the ability of human beings to control anger include James 1:19-20 which admonishes us to be slow to anger, Proverbs 15:1 that explains how a gentle answer can turn away wrath,” explains Nyamweya

Mr Nyamweya is of the view that anger is a God-given emotion that must be controlled before it turns destructive

Developmental sociologist Janet Omani warns that without emotional intelligence, any human being can cause harm.

“Anybody who can be angered has the potential of causing harm, Due to emotional intelligence; others never get to cause this harm.” Explains Janet

Janet further warns that the young generation is being destroyed by anger

“Gen Z’s anger against government is a reflection of how anger management training is inadequate. This training is needed at institutional levels and from home. The church should also invite professionals to train.” Says Janet

Need for communal responsibility to handle anger issues

Janet Jumba from the federation of human lawyers in Kenya (FIDA) advances that anger cannot be reduced to personal failings

“The inability of individuals to control anger boils down to community issues,” says Jumba

She advocates for a collective responsibility to handle anger arguing that communities must discuss conflict resolution and anger management deeply https://afripods.com/episode/anger-management/24ea8220-9e31-11f0-823b-8fefc28321b4

What is the way forward?

There is need for rigorous training on anger management. According to George Nyakundi, anger management is now a shared responsibility and the society must quickly adopt that

“Lack of appropriate training leads to anger explosions. After home, other institutions including the church must take up the mantle to provide this much-needed training,” he explains

Experts agree that anger when handled well can also drive progress as a motivator of change

“Gen z’s anger for instance may lead to positive change if channeled constructively,” explains Janet Omani

There is need to embrace dialogue always.

“If we can’t talk, we will have a bloodshed society. Anger is a complex and monster issue with us,” warns Zipporah Nyariki

Anger management must become a personal discipline, a family value and a community responsibility https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-anger-management-matters-community-voices-clergy-experts-brian-tghzf