A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) ranger was recently found dead in a suspected suicide incident in Muringene, Meru County. The ranger, identified as Victor Kibet Cherugut, was discovered on the morning of July 2, hanging from a tree near his residence within the local staff quarters. Authorities reported that a sisal rope was tied around his neck. His body was transferred to a nearby mortuary for autopsy and further investigations.
This incident adds to a worrying trend of suicides reported across the country. On the same day, five other suicide cases were recorded in different regions, highlighting the growing mental health crisis in Kenya.
In Kisii County’s Ramasha area, a 45-year-old man named Samwel Obwocha was found dead after hanging himself inside his home. Preliminary reports indicate a domestic dispute preceded the incident. His body, like the others, was taken to a local morgue for further examination.
In Lolgorian, Narok County, an unidentified 80-year-old man was found hanging from a tree on a farm. The absence of identification documents and unclear motives complicated initial investigations.
Meanwhile, in Gilgil’s Langalanga area of Nakuru County, Lucy Njeri Wawery, aged 56, reportedly died by suicide inside her iron-sheet house in the Mbegi area. She used a piece of cloth to end her life. The motive behind the incident remains unknown.
A similar case occurred in Ntharene, Meru County, where 66-year-old Raphael Muriuki Nchabari was found dead in his house. Authorities found his body hanging from a rope. No clear motive was identified, and investigations are ongoing.
In Marakusi, Kakamega County, police responded to yet another case where a man was found dead inside his home, having apparently taken his life in similar fashion. The body was also moved to the morgue for postmortem analysis.
Authorities have raised alarm over the increasing number of suicides being reported nationwide, with at least two cases now being recorded daily. This surge reflects broader mental health challenges, especially among individuals in stressful and high-risk professions such as security and wildlife protection.
Mental health experts attribute many of these incidents to factors such as joblessness, grief, academic or legal pressures, and financial struggles. Additional risk factors include bullying, alcoholism, prior suicide attempts, depression, bipolar disorder, and family history of suicide.
The growing trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced mental health support systems, community-based counseling services, and national awareness campaigns aimed at prevention and early intervention. With the issue continuing to escalate, calls for government and civil society action are becoming increasingly urgent.
