A 24-year-old man has tragically died by suicide following a relationship dispute in Tharaka Nithi County.
The young man, identified as Kelvin Mwenda, reportedly ended his life by jumping from a three-story building after a confrontation related to a soured romantic relationship. Authorities confirmed that Mwenda had been involved with a 32-year-old woman named Joylyne Kendi.
According to initial reports, Mwenda visited Kendi’s rented apartment, seemingly to address issues in their relationship. However, when he arrived at the premises, he was denied entry. Witnesses noted that Mwenda appeared visibly distressed after being turned away. Shortly after, he jumped from the building, sustaining fatal injuries.
Local residents were left in shock by the incident, many expressing concern over the growing number of young people struggling to cope with emotional and mental health challenges. The tragedy has sparked conversations in the community about the importance of emotional support systems, especially among young adults facing relationship difficulties.
After the incident, Mwenda’s body was moved to Chuka Level 4 Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted. Investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the event, although initial findings suggest that emotional distress played a major role.
Community leaders and mental health advocates have emphasized the need for open conversations about mental health, noting that relationship issues, financial struggles, and social pressures are increasingly leading young people to extreme actions. They called on families, friends, and the broader society to be more vigilant and supportive, particularly when individuals show signs of emotional turmoil.
The tragedy also highlights the broader issue of mental health care access in rural and semi-urban parts of the country. Many areas still lack adequate counseling services, crisis intervention teams, or mental health education, leaving many individuals without the necessary resources to navigate emotional hardships.
Several residents in Tharaka Nithi shared their thoughts, urging young people to seek help when going through emotional distress. “It’s very painful to see such a young life end this way. We must encourage our youth to speak out and seek help when they are struggling,” said a local elder.
The incident has served as a grim reminder of the fragility of mental health and the urgent need for society to create safe spaces for open dialogue. Mental health professionals have stressed that heartbreak, while emotionally painful, can be managed with the right support and coping mechanisms.
This incident follows a worrying trend across different parts of the country, where cases of suicide linked to personal relationships and social pressures have been on the rise. It has reignited calls for more investment in mental health services, including helplines, community counseling programs, and school-based mental health initiatives.
As investigations continue, friends and relatives of Mwenda are left grappling with grief and searching for answers. Many have described him as a cheerful and hardworking young man, making the tragedy even more difficult to comprehend.
Authorities have urged anyone feeling overwhelmed or experiencing emotional distress to seek immediate help and have promised to step up efforts to promote mental health awareness throughout the county.
