A shocking incident unfolded in Matiliku, Makueni County, when a man died by suicide shortly after assaulting his female farm worker.
The 42-year-old man, identified as Onesmus Mutuku, was discovered dead in his bedroom on Monday, September 8, 2025. His body was found hanging from a truss with a sisal rope tied around his neck. Authorities said he had already been dead for hours by the time they arrived.
Before taking his own life, Mutuku is reported to have attacked his 44-year-old farm worker with a hammer inside the servant quarters where she slept. The woman sustained serious head injuries and was rushed to hospital in critical condition.
Investigators revealed that after the attack, Mutuku placed the hammer on a table inside his home and then proceeded to end his life. The motive behind the assault and subsequent suicide has not yet been established.
At the time of the incident, his wife was away from home. Upon her return, she stumbled upon the horrific scene—her husband’s body in the bedroom and the injured worker nearby. Police later recovered the hammer as part of their investigations.
Authorities have since moved Mutuku’s body to the mortuary for postmortem examination as investigations continue into what could have triggered the tragedy.
This case comes amid rising concerns about suicide cases in Kenya. Reports indicate that up to five people took their lives on the same day across the country. Most of the victims were men, highlighting a worrying trend.
According to the World Health Organization, common causes of suicide include joblessness, financial strain, relationship difficulties, academic pressures, legal problems, and mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder. Alcoholism, substance abuse, and family history of suicide are also contributing factors.
The Kenyan government has acknowledged the growing crisis and recently formed a team to conduct a nationwide survey on mental health. The findings are expected to guide interventions aimed at reducing suicide cases and addressing the underlying causes.
This tragic case in Makueni underscores the urgent need for stronger community awareness, better access to mental health support, and timely intervention to prevent similar incidents.
