Collins Imoni Onyando Who Died by Suicide
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Police corporal Collins Imoni Onyando in Nyeri County tragically took his own life by shooting himself in the chin with his rifle early Monday morning.
According to reports, the officer died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chin, with his body discovered near the college commandant's residence alongside a CZ rifle and spent cartridge. The incident unfolded during the third shift when Onyando, who was on duty, left his post around 2 am citing the need to answer a call. A subsequent gunshot was heard but initially dismissed by a colleague as motorcycle backfire. The discovery of Onyando's body came three hours later when a relief officer found him approximately 40 meters from the residence gate.
While the motivations behind Onyando's death remain unclear, this incident highlights a deeply concerning trend within Kenya's police force where an average of three officers die by suicide monthly. In a related development, swift intervention by family members recently prevented another potential tragedy when a senior female officer at Kiserian police station was hospitalized following the discovery of a drafted suicide note. On November 4, 25-year-old Leshan Karuna, a Vickers Security Company guard, was found hanging from a tree opposite the apartments where he worked. A resident discovered the unattended main gate and alerted authorities, prompting Kilimani police to investigate.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has drawn attention to the disproportionate rates of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among police officers compared to the general population. Speaking at a mental health advocacy event organized by the Disability Mainstreaming Foundation of Kenya and the Africa International University, Kanja revealed that the demanding nature of police work routinely exposes officers to traumatic crime scenes and accidents thus contributing to these elevated rates of mental health challenges.
In response to these concerns, the National Police Service has implemented comprehensive measures, including the establishment of the Directorate of Chaplaincy and Counseling to provide professional support services. The force has also forged partnerships with medical institutions and expanded medical coverage to improve officers' access to mental health care. Kanja has reiterated the critical importance of fostering an environment where officers feel secure seeking mental health assistance without fear of stigma or discrimination.
He advocates for evidence-based research to inform policy development and continues to promote mental health awareness while challenging prevailing misconceptions within the force.