A string of tragic incidents has left communities in mourning across several counties in Kenya, highlighting growing concerns about occupational hazards, wildlife threats, and the troubling rise in suicide cases.
In Elgeyo Marakwet County, a young mechanic, Shadrack Kipkorir Kiptoo, 23, met a horrific death while working at a tyre repair centre in Kaptagat’s Flax Trading Centre. According to police and eyewitness accounts, Kiptoo was repairing a lorry tyre at around 5 p.m. when it suddenly burst. The force of the explosion was so intense that it split his head into two, killing him instantly. The loud noise caused panic among nearby residents who initially mistook it for a bomb blast, prompting many to take cover. His body was later moved to Kamwosor Sub-county Hospital morgue, where an autopsy is expected to be conducted.
In a separate incident in Kinango, Kwale County, a 19-year-old man, Baya Jumaa, died after being bitten by a snake while herding goats in Gandini village. Although efforts were made to rush him to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead on arrival. Authorities reported finding two snakebite marks on his body. The area has witnessed frequent snakebite cases, prompting ongoing public awareness campaigns aimed at minimizing such fatalities.
Elsewhere, two separate suicide cases have shocked residents of Nakuru and Trans Nzoia counties. In Dundori forest, Nakuru, the body of 63-year-old Daniel Ndahi Wanjehia was discovered hanging from a tree. A rope was tied around his neck, and in a bizarre twist, he had three original title deeds and his national identification card concealed in his gumboots. Police are yet to determine the motive behind the apparent suicide.
Another case was reported in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia County, where Gad Kiptoo was found dead in his house, having died by hanging. His body was discovered only after a delay, underscoring the loneliness and isolation that often accompany such tragedies. It was moved to the local mortuary for autopsy and further investigations.
According to police data, suicide rates in Kenya are on a disturbing rise, with up to three cases being reported daily. The majority of the victims are men, and mental health experts link this trend to unaddressed trauma, socio-economic pressures, and lack of support systems.
These tragic incidents serve as a grim reminder of the various risks Kenyans face daily from workplace safety issues and wildlife encounters to mental health crises. Stakeholders have urged for increased safety measures, community mental health support, and public education campaigns to mitigate future tragedies.
