On December 12, 2023, Jamhuri Day, authorities reported four cases of suicide in various regions across the country.
In response to these incidents, the police have initiated investigations, recognising that suicide continues to be a significant contributor to mortality rates in the nation.
The official names of the four were not released as the police said that they have to inform their families first before making any move.
In Embakasi, Nairobi County, a pregnant 38-year-old woman was found dead with her body dangling in her house.
By the time police broke into the house, the noose was loose, and her feet were touching the ground.
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By the time the body was being taken to the City Mortuary, the unborn baby had long died. She did not leave behind any suicide note.
Elsewhere, in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, a 39-year-old man died by suicide inside his house.
However, his wife rescued him and rushed the deceased to Sagana Sub-County Hospital, where he was reported dead on arrival.
In Murang’a’s Gathungururu Sub location, the body of a 35-year-old woman was found dangling in his house.
Police said she had died by suicide. The motive of the incident is yet to be known, but an investigation has been opened.
In Kibwezi, Makueni County, a 37-year-old man was found dead after a suspected suicide.
His lifeless body was found dangling from the roof rafters inside his bedroom.
The motive of the incident is yet to be known, police said.
In Sub-Saharan Africa, Kenya is amongst the countries with the highest suicide rates and also beats developing countries such as India and Mexico.
Data by World Bank estimates that in Kenya, suicide rates is at 6.1 people per every 100,000, with men being the highest risk category, with 9.1 men in every 100,000 affected.
