A tragic wave of suspected suicides and sudden deaths has shaken several regions in Kenya, with police reporting multiple cases across the country. Authorities have expressed growing concern over the rising number of such incidents, particularly among men, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding each case.
In Ruiru, Kiambu County, a 28-year-old man was found dead in his family’s house in what police suspect to be a suicide. According to the authorities, the man, identified as John Kamau, had been missing for several hours before his body was discovered hanging from the ceiling with a rope tied around his neck. The motive behind the incident remains unknown, and the body has been taken to the mortuary for an autopsy and further investigations.
This case was one of three suspected suicides reported on the same day, prompting renewed calls to address the mental health crisis that continues to affect many individuals, particularly young men. Police data indicates that the majority of suicide victims are male, a trend that has persisted over the years and continues to worry mental health experts and community leaders.
In a separate incident in Kegogi, Marani, Kisii County, a 27-year-old man named Yusuf Otaro was found dead by the roadside. Neighbors reported that he had left his home for the nearby Isecha trading center but never returned. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was later moved to the mortuary, where an autopsy is expected to shed light on the cause of his death.
In Homabay County, another case was reported in Oyugis, where a 63-year-old man was found dead in an open field near his home. Police responded to the scene and transported the body, identified as John Caleb, to the mortuary. Authorities say they are awaiting autopsy results to determine what led to his death, which occurred on April 7.
Another case involved a 70-year-old man in Langas, Eldoret. Identified as Alex Madekwa, he was found dead in his rental house. Police officers who arrived at the scene found no visible injuries on the body. The remains were transferred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue, where a postmortem will be conducted to establish the cause of death.
Meanwhile, in Butere, Kakamega County, the body of a 24-year-old man named Wilson Andat was discovered on the roadside. The cause of his death has not been established, and police have moved the body to the mortuary for examination.
In Kitengela, Kajiado County, yet another body was found by the roadside after a man reportedly collapsed. Residents notified the police, who responded and moved the unidentified body to the mortuary. The cause of death has yet to be determined, pending an autopsy and identification efforts.
These cases highlight a worrying trend of sudden and unexplained deaths, with many involving younger men. Authorities are continuing their investigations to determine if there are common factors or underlying causes behind these deaths. Mental health professionals and community leaders are urging the public to be more vigilant and supportive of those who may be struggling silently. Increased awareness, early intervention, and access to counseling services are being emphasized as essential steps toward reducing the number of such tragic occurrences.
