Over the weekend, five individuals tragically died by suicide in separate incidents across Kenya. These occurrences have alarmed authorities, who are concerned about the increasing trend of suicides in the country.
First Incident in Makueni County
The first incident took place in Mukuyuni, Makueni County. Police found 19-year-old Patrick Kiio Mwendo hanging from a piece of clothing at his father’s homestead in Ukonze village.
Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and have not yet established a motive. They took his body to a local mortuary for an autopsy.
Incident in Nakuru County
In Bahati, Nakuru County, another shocking case emerged. Police discovered 37-year-old Boniface Kariuki Njuguna hanging from a barbed wire tied around his neck in his father’s house.
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They found a suicide note at the scene, but its contents remain undisclosed. Authorities have sent his body for a postmortem examination.
Incident in Kakamega County
Meanwhile, in Kakamega County, 58-year-old Emmanuel Kitala Muhatia died by suicide. He hung himself with a manila rope on a mango tree in Bulupi Village.
Police did not find a suicide note, and they are still trying to understand the reasons behind his tragic decision.
Attempted Suicide in Kiambu County
In Kiambu County, 24-year-old Samuel Mwangi Kimani attempted to take his life by jumping into a dam. Divers rescued him, but he later died at Wangige Level Four Hospital.
Like the others, authorities found no suicide note, and they continue to investigate the motive.
Final Incident in Nyeri County
Lastly, in Naromoru, Nyeri County, police discovered 64-year-old Julius Mwangi Karue hanging from a tree on his farm. Officers found his body, but no suicide note was present, and they have not yet established a motive.
Police report that up to two cases of suicide occur daily. Most of the recent victims were male. The government is actively working on campaigns to address this alarming issue.
The World Health Organization attributes these cases to various factors, including joblessness, academic pressures, financial difficulties, and mental health issues such as depression and substance misuse.
As these tragic events unfold, communities must come together to support those in need and seek solutions to this growing crisis.
