A somber mood has engulfed Mihango, Nairobi, after a 34-year-old woman was found dead in her house following a suspected case of carbon monoxide poisoning.
The woman, identified as Aisha Kajuju, was discovered on September 21, 2025, after her family, concerned that she was not answering calls, decided to check on her. Using a spare key, they accessed the house and were met with a grim scene. Aisha had sealed off her home with clothes, nylon papers, and sellotape before lighting a charcoal jiko inside.
Police believe she suffocated in her sleep after inhaling the toxic fumes. A sufuria was found on top of the jiko, which had completely burnt out. To ensure no air circulation, she had placed a damp cloth under the bedroom door and shut all windows tightly.
Authorities suspect that she intended to die by suicide, citing reports that she had attempted to take her life twice before. While the motive remains unclear, her death has sparked renewed concern over rising cases of suicide linked to mental health struggles and economic hardships.
Carbon monoxide, often called “the silent killer,” is a colorless and odorless gas that can cause death when inhaled in poorly ventilated spaces. Once in the bloodstream, it binds with haemoglobin to form carboxyhemoglobin, which blocks oxygen transportation in the body.
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Because the gas is undetectable without specialized equipment, many victims are overcome while asleep, making it even deadlier.
Experts caution against using charcoal jikos indoors or in sealed environments, as the risk of poisoning is extremely high. Officials continue to emphasize the importance of proper ventilation when using fuel-burning equipment.
Mental health professionals warn that suicide cases are increasing, driven by factors such as joblessness, academic pressures, relationship challenges, substance abuse, depression, and family conflicts. Previous attempts, family history of suicide, and untreated mental health conditions are also considered major risk factors.
The woman’s body was taken to a mortuary pending a postmortem examination. Meanwhile, authorities are calling for strengthened community awareness on both the dangers of carbon monoxide and the importance of mental health support to curb preventable deaths.
