A tragic incident unfolded at the National Police Service Campus in Nyeri County on Monday, November 18, when Corporal Collins Imoni Onyando, a police officer, died by suicide. Onyando reportedly used his service rifle to end his life near the residence of the college commandant.
The 2 a.m. incident occurred when Onyando left his duty post, citing the need to attend to a call. Shortly after, a gunshot was heard but dismissed by his colleague as a motorcycle backfire. Hours later, another officer found Onyando’s body 40 meters from the commandant’s residence, alongside a CZ rifle and an empty cartridge.
This incident underscores a growing mental health crisis in Kenya’s police force, where at least three suicides are recorded monthly. Police officers are often on the frontline of community challenges, from violent crimes to traumatic accidents, leaving them vulnerable to severe stress and psychological trauma.
The Burden of Service
The demanding nature of police work exposes officers to high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Speaking at a mental health advocacy event, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja highlighted the stark reality: globally, police officers experience higher rates of depression and suicide compared to the general public.
Kanja emphasized the toll of handling distressing scenes and the stigma surrounding mental health, which prevents many officers from seeking help. He remarked, “Police work is noble, but its demands can weigh heavily on those who serve. Officers worldwide are at a greater risk of suicide due to the psychological strain of their duties.”
Rising Cases Amid Limited Support
The situation mirrors the challenges faced by another officer recently. A senior female officer from Kiserian police station was rescued from a suicide attempt after her relatives discovered a suicide note. Quick action led to her hospitalization and intervention, highlighting the urgent need for proactive mental health measures within the force.
In addition to work-related stress, police officers are increasingly affected by societal issues such as substance abuse. According to Kanja, the growing trend of drug use among youth has not spared law enforcers, further exacerbating mental health challenges.
Tackling the Crisis
In response to this alarming trend, the National Police Service (NPS) has initiated measures to address mental health issues among officers. The Directorate of Chaplaincy and Counseling was established to provide professional counseling and psychosocial support. Partnerships with medical institutions also enable officers to access psychosocial care through medical cover.
However, these efforts face significant hurdles, including stigma surrounding mental illness. Kanja called for sustained efforts to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions, urging the public and police officers to treat mental health issues with the same seriousness as physical health conditions.
“Stigma is still a hurdle we must overcome. Creating an environment where officers feel comfortable seeking help without fear of discrimination is essential,” he said.
Building Resilience Through Awareness
The NPS is also focusing on raising awareness about mental health, aiming to destigmatize the issue and encourage officers to seek help. These measures are crucial to preventing tragedies like Onyando’s and fostering a supportive environment for those struggling with mental health challenges.
As Kenya grapples with a rising wave of suicides among its law enforcers, the tragedy at Kiganjo Police College serves as a stark reminder of the need for urgent and sustained mental health interventions. Only by addressing the root causes and creating a culture of openness can the country hope to safeguard the well-being of its police officers.
This somber reality calls for collective action from the government, police leadership, and society to ensure that those tasked with protecting the public are themselves protected from the unseen battles of the mind.
