A disturbing wave of suspected suicide cases has gripped various parts of Kenya, with multiple incidents reported in Homa Bay, Kiambu, Kajiado, and Kisumu counties in recent days.
In Homa Bay, a 38-year-old tuberculosis patient, identified as Mike Jum, was found dead by suicide at the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital. The body was discovered inside a hospital toilet by a caretaker, prompting an immediate alert to the hospital management. Authorities said the man used his belt to hang himself, with initial investigations indicating he had skipped his medication before the tragic act. Hospital CEO Dr. Vincent Oduor confirmed that Jum was receiving treatment in an isolation unit. The body was transferred to the hospital mortuary pending a postmortem.
In Kiambu County, police are investigating another suspected suicide involving 25-year-old Wendy Ongayo, whose body was found hanging in her house in Ruiru on May 18. The woman, who had reportedly just returned from a salon visit, was discovered with a polythene bag over her head and a suicide note left behind. Her boyfriend told investigators they had parted earlier that day to attend to separate errands. The body was taken to the morgue for further examination.
A third tragic case occurred in Loitoktok, Kajiado County, where a 15-year-old boy was found hanging from a tree outside his parents’ home on May 16. The motive behind his death remains unclear, and police are continuing their investigations.
Meanwhile, in Kisumu County, an 89-year-old man, Joachim Mugwang Ayimba, was found dead inside his locked house in Nyalenda. A concerned relative who could not access the house forced entry through a window and found the body seated and leaning over a table. Police reported no visible injuries, though fluids were observed oozing from his mouth. The cause of death will be confirmed following a postmortem.
These incidents highlight the growing mental health crisis in the country. Authorities and mental health advocates are calling for increased support services and awareness campaigns to address the underlying issues contributing to these tragic losses of life.
