Police Officer in Kerugoya Kills Self, Leaves Note to Lover

A police officer in Kerugoya on Thursday took his own life in his apartment.

Prior to his final act, Officer Allan Kihumba Njugana left a tender message in his notebook for his lover which read, "Short story if anything happens, I loved you." He was discovered suspended from a manila rope on the rental property's ceiling. It was reported that the officer had secured the apartment's doors from the inside. An examination of his phone's search history revealed that he had sought information on how to end his life prior to his death.

The security operations centre (SOC) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kirinyaga duly processed and documented the officer's phone. While investigations are ongoing, his body has been moved to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary. This unfortunate occurrence highlights the tremendous difficulties experienced by law enforcement personnel while operating in strenuous environments which adversely impact their mental state. The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) provides startling evidence that one out of every ten officers battles with mental health challenges.

The rise in suicide cases in Kenya is being driven by work-related issues in addition to difficulties within households and costly living expenses. In order to tackle this problem, senior police officers are receiving training to provide support to fellow operatives in their workplaces. The police department has set up communication networks to detect indications of stress among its employees. Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow emphasizes the importance of promptly addressing any mental health-related cases.

Unfortunately, there has been an increase in suicide rates within the country with almost 500 cases reportedly taking place in the quarter leading up to June this year exceeding the entirety of last year's recorded figures. Within this period, the range of those afflicted spanned from nine to 76 years of age, ultimately accounting for 483 fatalities. Financial struggles, marital issues and enduring chronic pain and illness can contribute to the occurrence of suicide.

In 2019, a significant majority of suicides totalling over 77%, took place in countries classified as low and middle-income. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) states that between 2015 and 2018, there were 1,442 reported cases of suicide attempts in Kenya. However, this number is believed to be an underestimate as it represents only a small portion of the actual occurrences. Counsellors, medics, and psychologists strongly advise seeking assistance for any mental health concerns. Support can be obtained by calling the toll-free hotline, 1199, provided by the Kenya Red Cross