• Buruburu police boss Kamau Ngugi said they are investigating the incident.
• The body of constable Harrison Mugo was found hanging on the rafters of a burnt canteen.
Image: THE STAR
There was shock at a police station in Nairobi when a body of a police officer was found hanging at their canteen on Thursday morning.
The body of constable Harrison Mugo was found hanging on the rafters of a burnt canteen at the Buruburu Police Station.
He hanged himself in an apparent protest against a disciplinary action that had been taken against him for being drunk and disorderly while in police uniform.
His colleagues said Mugo was not happy with the decision by his superiors hence the move to take his own life.
His body was hanging on a rope when it was found on Thursday morning by other officials.
Buruburu police boss Kamau Ngugi said they are investigating the incident.
Police headquarters had Wednesday said it had taken note of a video clip circulating on social media where a uniformed police officer was seen walking alone while appearing drunk.
“This is to assure the public that this behavior is unbecoming, unacceptable, and unprofessional. National Police Service hence condemns it in the strongest terms possible,” spokesman Bruno Shioso said.
“A uniformed police officer is a visible representation and face of government and is required to remain extremely disciplined and professional while on duty and off duty.”
He added Buruburu Police command had taken corrective measures for the situation, and the matter is being handled internally.
“As NPS, we hold our officers accountable with regard to matters of discipline, decorum, and conduct to ensure efficient and effective service provision to the public,” he said.
Mugo’s colleagues said this motivated the move. The body was moved to the mortuary.
This is the latest such incident to happen and affecting the service. Police suicides have been on the rise and most are blamed on stress and work-related trauma.
As part of efforts to address the problem, authorities have started a counselling programme for the officers.
The National Police Service Commission announced it had established the counselling unit to evaluate, design, and lead an outreach programme to deal with mental health problems and substance abuse.
The programme also helps police families and others affected by mental health problems, substance abuse and trauma.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the government, the NPS and the Prisons Service have enhanced counselling and medical help for officers.
“There is a deliberate drive to destigmatise mental illness and stress and to actively reach out to potential cases, including through the Nyumba Kumi initiative," Matiang'i said.