A somber mood has engulfed Kahawa Sukari in Kiambu County following the tragic death of a 24-year-old Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) female soldier who is believed to have taken her own life. The soldier, Precious Mabonga, was found dead in her bathroom on April 24, in what authorities suspect was a case of suicide.
Her body was discovered hanging from metal bars in the bathroom, with a manila rope used in the act. She was based at the nearby Kahawa Barracks, and investigations indicate that she had previously shown signs of psychological distress.
Reports revealed that Mabonga had earlier attempted suicide on March 25, 2025, within the premises of the Kahawa Barracks Military Police Unit. Following the incident, she was admitted to the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital for medical attention, where she was diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder a mental health condition marked by repeated episodes of depression.
When authorities visited the scene of her death, they found medication prescribed for depression, suggesting that she had been under treatment for her mental health struggles. The body was later transferred to the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
This tragic incident adds to the growing concern about the increasing number of suicides among members of the armed forces. Despite ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting mental well-being and emotional resilience among soldiers, the rate of such occurrences continues to rise.
Service members, much like their counterparts in the police force, often carry the burden of intense professional and personal pressures. They are entrusted with community safety, national security, and often serve in volatile or highly demanding environments. These responsibilities expose them to prolonged periods of stress and trauma, with few outlets for emotional expression or support.
Mental health experts have long warned about the risks faced by those in high-stress occupations like the military. Factors such as trauma from active duty, isolation from loved ones, and the rigid structure of military life can significantly impact a soldier’s mental health. In many cases, these pressures go unnoticed or are downplayed, often due to the stigma surrounding mental illness in security forces.
In this particular case, the previous suicide attempt and subsequent diagnosis indicate that Mabonga was already battling a serious mental health condition. While it remains unclear what triggered the second and fatal attempt, the signs of prolonged psychological struggle were evident.
According to global mental health guidelines, suicide is often the culmination of a complex interplay of factors. These may include bereavement, relationship or financial issues, substance abuse, chronic illness, or mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Previous suicide attempts and lack of access to comprehensive psychological support further increase the risk.
In response to the worrying trend, the government has stated that efforts are underway to tackle the mental health crisis among members of the disciplined forces. These measures include counseling services, peer support programs, and awareness campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health help.
Nevertheless, the death of Precious Mabonga serves as a painful reminder that more needs to be done. It calls for a renewed focus on preventive mental health care and a cultural shift within the security forces to ensure that those who serve the nation are also protected emotionally and psychologically.
As investigations continue, her family, colleagues, and the broader military community mourn the loss of a young life full of promise, cut short by an invisible battle.
