A tragic incident unfolded in Nyamira County after a police officer died by suicide at Embonga Police Post on the night of July 26. The officer, who was in charge of the post, was found dead inside the station’s armory after officers heard two gunshots and rushed to investigate. He had used his G3 service rifle to end his life, with the weapon found beside his body and two spent cartridges recovered at the scene.
The officer was alone in the armory at the time of the incident. According to preliminary findings, he placed the rifle’s barrel in his mouth and pulled the trigger. His body was taken to the mortuary for an autopsy as investigations continue. The motive for the suicide remains unknown, but this case marks the third similar incident involving police officers within just one week, underscoring a deepening mental health crisis within Kenya’s police service.
Police work is widely acknowledged to be one of the most stressful professions, exposing officers to high-pressure environments, traumatic scenes, and demanding shifts. This prolonged exposure often leads to unaddressed emotional strain. In recognition of this growing concern, the National Police Service Commission has rolled out initiatives to provide psychosocial support to its officers. A dedicated counselling unit now offers mental health evaluations, outreach services, and programs designed to help prevent trauma-related conditions and substance abuse.
A senior official emphasized the emotional burden officers carry, noting that being first responders means they frequently witness and internalize distressing situations. Without adequate mental health support, the emotional toll becomes overwhelming, leading to tragic outcomes like suicide.
In a separate incident in Homa Bay County, a policewoman was seriously injured after being attacked by two German Shepherd dogs at a construction site in Got Oyaro village. She was accompanied by a colleague near Nyangwete trading centre when the dogs, left roaming unattended, charged at them. One of the dogs bit her on the left knee before being repelled.
The injured officer was rushed to a nearby hospital, received treatment, and was given an anti-rabies injection before being discharged. Authorities are now searching for the dogs’ owners for questioning and possible legal action.
These incidents highlight the unpredictable risks police officers face and reinforce the urgent need for mental health and safety reforms within the force.
