A patient admitted to Marani Level Four Hospital in Kisii County was found dead by suicide in the hospital’s toilet on Tuesday, January 21. The patient, identified as 47-year-old Daniel Orare, had been undergoing treatment for more than a week for an undisclosed ailment.
According to authorities, Orare’s body was discovered with a hospital bed sheet tied to the shower tap, confirming suicide. The motive behind this act remains unclear, and police have launched an investigation. His body has been moved to a local mortuary for a post-mortem examination as part of the ongoing inquiry.
This case is one of three suicide incidents reported across the country on the same day, reflecting a growing mental health crisis in Kenya.
In Morombo village, Sengera, Kisii County, 49-year-old Simeon Nyatuka was found hanging from a tree using a mosquito net. Residents reported that Nyatuka had been living alone since separating from his wife years ago. No signs of physical injury were found on the body, which has been moved to the Kisii Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation and further examination.
In Machakos County, another incident unfolded in Mithanga village, Kathiani, where 65-year-old Paul Muoki died by suicide. His body was discovered hanging from the rafters of his home, with a sisal rope around his neck. No suicide note was found, leaving unanswered questions about the factors leading to his death.
In addition to these tragedies, the body of an unidentified man was discovered on the roadside in Maua, Meru County, behind a petrol station. Police are treating the case as suspicious and await autopsy results for further clarity.
The growing trend of suicide in Kenya is deeply concerning, with police reporting up to two cases daily. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is often linked to factors such as joblessness, financial strain, academic pressures, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, and substance misuse.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for improved mental health support systems in Kenya. Raising awareness, reducing stigma, and providing accessible counseling services could play a vital role in addressing this crisis. Communities must also come together to foster a culture of openness, compassion, and support to help individuals struggling with emotional and psychological challenges.
As the nation mourns these lives, it is a stark reminder that mental health is an issue that requires collective action to save others from a similar fate.
