A junior police officer, Corporal Simon Gitonga, was discovered dead in his residence at Ngusishi police post, Meru County.
The tragic incident occurred when he took his own life by shooting himself in the head. Police reported that his lifeless body was found in the morning of December 27, lying in a pool of blood within his house.
His colleagues said they heard gunshots from the house he lived and when they checked they found he had used his AK47 rifle to shoot himself in the chin.
Police said the bullet went through and exited the forehead killing him instantly.
Police said they found a suicide note in the house where he lived alone. It suggested the slain officer struggled with financial and family issues.
The body was moved to the mortuary pending autopsy and further probe.
The incident may be associated with the increasing prevalence of trauma among numerous police officers, leading to instances of both self-harm and violence towards others.
The distressing trend has seen many officers succumb to suicide or engage in acts of aggression. The root cause is often attributed to workplace stress.
In response to this concerning pattern, authorities within the police force have initiated counseling services.
Additionally, the National Police Service Commission has taken proactive measures by establishing a dedicated unit, staffed to address the demanding situations faced by officers, with the aim of mitigating the impact of stress on their mental well-being.
The counselling unit will, among other things, evaluate, design and lead an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse.
At least three suicide cases involving police officers are recorded every month.
Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of all community problems.
They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, besides putting their lives at risk.
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in fatalities within the service, with trauma identified as a significant contributing factor.
These deaths often involve the use of firearms.
According to the World Health Organization, such cases are commonly associated with factors such as unemployment, bereavement, academic failures or pressures, legal troubles, and financial difficulties.
Additional contributing factors include bullying, prior suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance misuse, as well as mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.
