A 20-year-old Maseno University student was found dead in his rented house in Kisumu on April 2, 2025, in a suspected suicide. The first-year student is believed to have ended his life by hanging himself with a sisal rope tied around his neck, attached to one of the roof rafters inside his residence. His body was discovered several hours later. Authorities have recovered a suicide note from the scene and are currently analyzing it to determine whether it was written by the student. The circumstances surrounding the death have raised concerns, and the local police have launched an investigation.
The body was transported to the mortuary, where a postmortem examination is planned to establish the exact cause of death. Authorities are also working to understand the factors that may have led to this tragic event. Although no definitive reasons have been confirmed, investigations are ongoing to examine the student’s mental health, personal struggles, and any potential external pressures that could have contributed to his decision to take his life.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of rising suicide cases across the region. In a separate case in Mtito Andei, Makueni County, a 57-year-old man, Muthoka Ndunda, was found dead after hanging himself with a sisal rope from a tree in a thicket. No suicide note was found, and the motive behind his death remains unclear. Similar to the Maseno University case, the authorities are attempting to uncover what drove him to take such a drastic step.
In Gachoka, Embu County, another young man, 24-year-old Kelvin Macharia Njeru, was discovered dead by suicide on April 2, 2025, also having hung himself with a sisal rope. His death occurred in his home, where the rope was tied to a roof rafter. As with the other cases, the reason for his suicide has not been determined, and his body has been taken to Embu Level Five Hospital for a postmortem examination.
Police and mental health experts have expressed increasing concern over the rising number of suicide cases in the region, with reports indicating that up to two suicides are now being recorded daily. This troubling trend has prompted local authorities to focus more on identifying potential causes and offering support to vulnerable individuals. Suicide is a complex issue, often involving a combination of factors that can push someone to such a desperate decision.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights several contributing factors to suicide, such as joblessness, the loss of a loved one, academic pressures, financial difficulties, legal troubles, bullying, and a history of mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder. Additionally, substance abuse and a family history of suicide are known to increase the risk of suicidal behavior.
Mental health challenges, particularly among young adults, have been a significant concern in recent years, with many students, especially those in higher education, experiencing high levels of stress due to academic demands and personal struggles. The pressure to succeed academically and secure a future in an increasingly competitive world can be overwhelming, and without proper support systems, individuals may feel trapped in their circumstances.
In response to this alarming rise in suicides, there have been calls for increased mental health awareness and the implementation of more robust support systems within universities and communities. Mental health services need to be made more accessible, and people must be encouraged to seek help when they are struggling. Additionally, public education on the warning signs of suicide could be crucial in preventing future tragedies.
Authorities are hopeful that the ongoing investigations will shed light on the reasons behind these deaths and help in the effort to reduce the prevalence of suicide. The tragic loss of life in these incidents serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing mental health issues and providing support to those in need.
