Authorities are investigating the death of an 18-year-old suspect who died by suicide at Bamba Police Station in Kaloleni, Kilifi County. Chrispus Baraka Kifalu, also known as Kitsau, was found hanging in the station’s toilet area on the morning of April 20, 2025. He reportedly used his shirt to hang himself from the metal bars of the toilet ventilation.
Kifalu had been in custody since April 18 after being arrested for allegedly assaulting and threatening to kill a 16-year-old juvenile. The motive behind his death remains unclear. Police visited the scene and confirmed the incident, and fellow inmates have since been questioned. The body was moved to the Kilifi County Referral Hospital mortuary for postmortem. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has joined the probe as required by law.
Elsewhere, similar incidents were reported in Nyeri and Makueni counties. In Mathira, Nyeri, 58-year-old James Kinyua Magondu died by suicide by hanging himself in his storehouse using a manila rope. No suicide note was found. Meanwhile, in Wathimo village, Makindu, police are investigating the suspected suicide of 53-year-old Boma Kyungu. The motive in both cases remains unknown.
These incidents highlight a troubling rise in suicide cases across the country. Police have raised concerns over the growing trend, with up to two suicides reported daily. Most victims are male, often grappling with issues such as joblessness, family disputes, depression, and substance abuse.
The World Health Organization (WHO) attributes suicide to various factors, including mental health disorders like depression and bipolar disorder, financial and legal difficulties, social pressure, academic failures, and a history of suicide in the family. Substance misuse and lack of mental health support also play significant roles.
As investigations into the recent deaths continue, calls are growing for a more robust approach to mental health awareness, counseling services, and timely intervention, particularly in custodial environments. Experts emphasize that strengthening community support systems and improving access to mental health care can help reverse the alarming trend and save lives.
