A 35-year-old police officer in Kirinyaga County took his life on the night of Saturday, July 15, 2023.
While confirming the unfortunate incident, Gichugu sub-county Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officer Millicent Ochuka noted that the male officer who was posted at Gichonjo police post killed himself by hanging himself at his rented house. His body was discovered inside his house.
She expressed shock at his sudden demise noting that the officer had not showcased any symptoms of being suicidal.
Ochuka added that the incident has left them confused unable to establish the motive behind his act.
“He was very happy the whole of yesterday before he took his own life according to his colleagues at Gichonjo police station,” Ochuka said.
“He did not leave a suicidal note despite being given permission to go home. We don’t know the motive of the officer taking his own life,” she added.
Following the incident, Kamau Muchira, chairman of Kirinyaga counsellors appealed to the local residents, particularly men to find ways of voicing their concerns.
He also expressed that it was unfortunate that suicide cases amongst police officers have been on the rise despite the government launching a psycho-education programme to assist them.
“Men are the most affected and need to open up about their issues. Even in the police force there are rising cases of suicide despite the government rolling out a psycho-education programme targeting them,” Kamau stated.
Adding; "Suicide happens impulsively in moments of crisis with a break down in the ability to deal with life stresses such as financial problems, relationship break down among others factors,"
Police assessed the scene and moved the body of the deceased to Kibugi funeral home.
