Official asks clergy to help as suicide cases shake Kirinyaga

Residents of Riakiania village in Kirinyaga County gather near the scene of John Maina's death by suicide. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The body of 34-year-old Stephen Kinyua was found hanging from a tree in Kiaragana village while that of John Maina was found inside a house in Riakiania.
  • At Thumaita village, residents were shocked when they stumbled upon Peter Kinyua's body hanging from a tree.
  • Ndia Deputy County Commissioner Mr Moses Ivuto has asked local church leaders to intervene.

Three people died by suicide in Kirinyaga County on Tuesday, raising concerns among national government officials.

The body of 34-year-old Stephen Kinyua was found hanging from a tree in Kiaragana village while that of John Maina was found inside a house in Riakiania.

At Thumaita village, residents were shocked when they stumbled upon Peter Kinyua's body hanging from a tree.

They reported the matter at Kianyaga Police Station.

The three, from different villages, did not leave suicide notes to explain their actions.

Their bodies were taken to Kerugoya Referral Hospital mortuary.

ALARM

Ndia Deputy County Commissioner Mr Moses Ivuto said cases of suicide were on the rise in the region.

"They are reported on daily basis. We are concerned," Mr Ivuto said, citing domestic feuds and drug abuse.

"When men quarrel with their spouses and abuse drugs, they kill themselves."

He called on local church leaders to intervene.

"Church leaders should embark on aggressive counselling of residents, men in particular, so that we do not continue losing more lives this way," he said.