Police are grappling with a wave of suicides and suspected domestic-related killings across various counties, with at least six suicide cases and one murder reported on Wednesday alone, underscoring a growing mental health and domestic violence crisis in Kenya.
Woman Found Dead in River Kuja After Suspected Suicide
In Migori County, the body of Hilda Akinyi, 38, was recovered from River Kuja in the Awendo area on July 9, in what police suspect to be a suicide case. Hilda, who had traveled from Nairobi to her rural home in Kasere village, had earlier sent a troubling message to her brother.
In the message, she asked him to pick up her child in Nairobi and indicated that she was already in the river. Her body was later found floating in River Kuja with no visible injuries, police said.
Hilda had been reported missing for several days, and a report had been filed at Kamagambo Police Station. Her body has since been moved to a local mortuary pending an autopsy to confirm the cause of death.
Grade Four Boy Found Dead in Nyamira in Suspected Suicide
In a separate heartbreaking case, police in Magombo, Nyamira County, are investigating the suspected suicide of a nine-year-old boy, a Grade Four pupil at Kiongutwa Primary School.
The child was found hanging from the roof of his family home, with a mosquito net tied around his neck. The motive remains unknown, and his body is lying at a local mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
The case has sent shockwaves through the local community, with authorities now working with school officials and child protection officers to understand any underlying issues the boy may have faced.
Woman Dies After Assault by In-Laws in Bungoma
Meanwhile, in Kimaeti, Bungoma County, police are investigating a case of domestic violence-turned-murderinvolving Adenqueen Mulongo, who died while undergoing treatment at Bungoma County Referral Hospital.
Mulongo had been admitted on July 8, two days after she was reportedly assaulted by her father-in-law and mother-in-law at her home. Despite medical efforts, she succumbed to her injuries.
Police say they are hunting for the couple, who are expected to face murder charges once arrested. The victim’s body is being preserved at a local mortuary pending an autopsy.
A Mental Health Emergency
These incidents come amid growing concern about rising mental health challenges and domestic violence in the country. Police say Wednesday’s cases reflect a grim trend, with more families reporting cases of suicide and assault.
The World Health Organization (WHO) lists multiple risk factors behind suicide, including joblessness, academic pressure, bereavement, financial hardship, substance abuse, and mental health disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
Police are urging families, schools, religious leaders, and communities to be vigilant and supportive, and to report any signs of distress or violence to authorities
Written by Were Kelly
