Police in Athi River, Machakos County, are investigating the death of a woman who reportedly died by suicide early Friday.
Officers said the 37-year-old woman allegedly ended her life at her rented mabati-structured house in the Tuffoam area around 4 am. The matter was reported to Athi River Police Station as a suicide incident at 4:30 a.m.
“At 0430hrs of POLPOST Sabaki, it was reported by a resident of Tuffoam area, that his neighbour, namely Joyce Wamalwa, had hanged herself using a sisal rope tied on the roof of a mabati house,” a police source told the Star on Friday.
The officer, who requested anonymity, said the deceased lived with her 9-year-old daughter. No suicide note was found, and the motive remains unknown.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations visited, processed, and documented the scene. Police said the body bore no visible injuries and was taken to Shalom Community Hospital mortuary for autopsy.
The case is under investigation by Athi River DCI.
Acting Mlolongo chief Saulo Muasya raised concerns over rising suicide cases in the area.
“We are worried as administrators about the increased rates of suicide cases. Personally, I’m already talking to residents of this area so as to take life positively. No one should commit suicide, however tough the situation is,” he said.
Muasya noted Mlolongo division reports an average of at least two suicides a day and urged counselling for those struggling with depression.
Machakos County has recorded several similar cases. On September 3, Rose Nzomo allegedly killed her daughter before hanging herself in Masinga.
Other recent incidents include women in Kivaa market, Ngelani village, and Elizabeth Mumbua, 60, who died after taking poison.
Muasya urged Kenyans to seek professional help when facing overwhelming challenges.
