A tragic incident has unfolded in Nairobi’s Hazina estate, where a 23-year-old woman allegedly poisoned her five-year-old son before attempting to take her own life.
The woman is currently in the hospital fighting for her life after consuming a poisonous concoction. Reports indicate that before ingesting the substance herself, she forced her son to swallow the same chemical, leading to his death.
Authorities investigating the case revealed that the woman used a mixture of beauty products to commit the act. Neighbors found her struggling in her house and rushed both her and the child to a hospital. Unfortunately, the boy was pronounced dead on arrival. The woman was later transferred to Kenyatta Hospital for specialized treatment.
Police recovered the toxic substances at the scene and have launched an investigation into the incident. The motive behind the act remains unknown, with authorities waiting for the woman to recover before proceeding with further inquiries.
Meanwhile, in Kisasi, Kitui County, another heartbreaking incident occurred when a two-year-old boy drowned in a well within his homestead. The child was playing when the accident happened, and his body was later discovered floating in the water. Authorities have since moved the body to the mortuary as investigations continue.
In a worrying trend, three separate cases of suicide were also reported. In Gatunga Market, Tharaka Nithi, a man identified as Pius Gitonga Nyaga was found dead after taking his own life.
In Naromoru, Nyeri County, a 65-year-old woman was discovered hanging from a roof rafter in a store. A sisal rope was tied around her neck, confirming the suicide.
Another case was reported in the Londiani area, where the body of a 45-year-old woman was found hanging from a tree within her compound. Authorities moved her remains to the Londiani Sub-County Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination.
The rising number of suicide cases in the country has raised concerns among law enforcement and mental health professionals. Reports indicate that up to two cases are being recorded daily, pointing to a disturbing trend that requires urgent intervention.
The World Health Organization has identified various factors contributing to suicide, including financial difficulties, joblessness, academic pressures, legal issues, and grief. Other causes include a history of suicide in the family, depression, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, and previous suicide attempts.
Authorities continue to urge the public to seek mental health support and counseling services to address underlying issues before they escalate to tragic outcomes.
