Kenya continues to grapple with rising suicide cases, with two tragic incidents reported on Friday in Kisii and Bungoma. A teacher and a 16-year-old boy were found dead in separate suicide incidents, highlighting the growing mental health crisis in the country.
In the first case, Erick Nyakundi, a 44-year-old teacher at Sikawa Secondary School in Transmara East Sub-county, was found dead at his home in Bigege village, Kisii. His body was discovered hanging behind his house, suspended from a roof truss with a rope around his neck. Authorities who visited the scene confirmed that no suicide note was recovered. His body was moved to Kisii Referral Hospital Mortuary, awaiting a postmortem examination.
The second incident occurred in Bungoma’s Menu village, Sirisia, where a 16-year-old boy was found hanging from a tree with a piece of cloth tied around his neck. The motive behind his death remains unknown, and police reported no visible injuries on his body. His remains were taken to Bungoma Referral Hospital Mortuary for further examination.
These incidents occurred just a day after a separate attempted murder and suicide case in Kiambu. A 30-year-old man allegedly attempted to kill his 20-year-old girlfriend before trying to take his own life. The young woman was rushed to Kiambu Level Five Hospital with multiple stab wounds on her neck and hands. Police later found the suspect in a rented house near St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, surrounded by a pool of blood and spilled battery sulphuric acid, indicating an apparent suicide attempt.
The increase in suicide cases has alarmed both mental health experts and authorities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), suicide is often linked to joblessness, financial difficulties, academic pressures, relationship struggles, and mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Other contributing factors include bullying, previous suicide attempts, substance abuse, and a family history of suicide.
Kenyan authorities and mental health organizations have been advocating for increased awareness and support systems to help those struggling with mental health issues. Despite these efforts, cases of suicide continue to rise, underscoring the urgent need for improved access to mental health care, community support systems, and public education on mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, it is crucial to seek help from professionals, trusted friends, or family members. Mental health helplines and counseling services are available to provide guidance and support in such difficult times.
