A tragic incident in Adungosi, Teso, Busia County has left a family in mourning after their one-and-a-half-year-old son drowned in a well within their compound. The young boy had been playing with his siblings on May 12, 2025, when he accidentally slipped and fell into the uncovered 25-foot deep well. Despite the swift response of the parents, who were on a nearby farm when the siblings raised the alarm, efforts to rescue him were unsuccessful. The child’s body was retrieved minutes later and taken to a local mortuary for autopsy and further procedures.
Local authorities have since issued a warning to residents, urging them to ensure that all family wells are securely covered to prevent similar accidents. This incident highlights the risks posed by unsecured water sources in residential areas, especially to young children.
In a separate development, six people across different counties were found dead in suspected suicide cases, further raising concern over the rising trend of self-harm and mental health issues.
In Nyandarua County, 23-year-old Benson Nyaramba Mwangi was discovered hanging from a tree on his father’s land in Mirangine. The body was found on May 12 and moved to JM Kariuki Hospital Mortuary in Olkalau pending a postmortem examination.
In Busia’s Siginga village, a 79-year-old man, Cosmas Okotsi Bwire, was found dead inside his house. He had hanged himself from the roof truss using a wire. There were no visible injuries on the body, which was transferred to Port Victoria General Hospital mortuary for further examination.
In Nyamira County’s Nyabitango village, the body of 52-year-old Shem Maoga Nyamao was discovered hanging from a tree on May 10. The body was taken to the mortuary as investigations continue.
A particularly disturbing case was reported in Tabaka, Kisii County, where a ten-year-old boy was found dead at Ikoba trading centre. He had hanged himself using a sisal rope attached to a door frame inside his elder brother’s incomplete house. Investigations revealed that the boy had last been seen by his mother on May 11, after being instructed to bathe and wash his clothes. He complied but then left home wearing the wet clothes. He did not return, and his body was discovered the next day.
In Muranga County’s Kandara area, 54-year-old Peter Kinuthia Njuguna was found dead in his kitchen. He had died by suicide, using a sisal rope. The body was taken to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home in Kabati pending autopsy.
Another case was reported in Kitui County’s Mutomo area, where 48-year-old Willy Musango died after ingesting a poisonous substance. Police found an empty 250 ml bottle of Termitop 450 EC near his body, which showed signs of poisoning such as foam at the mouth. The body was moved to Mutomo Level Four mortuary for further examination.
These incidents point to a disturbing increase in suicide cases across the country. Authorities say the trend is alarming, with up to two cases being reported daily. Mental health experts continue to urge communities to be more vigilant and supportive of individuals who may be experiencing emotional distress, emphasizing the importance of early intervention, counseling services, and open conversations about mental health.
