Police constable Benson Imbatu shot dead six people before committing suicide in Kabete on Tuesday in one of the latest incidents involving the police.
It is not clear what might have caused the police officer to kill and turn the gun on himself. According to Interior CS Fred Matiang'i, preliminary investigations suggest the incident may have been triggered by a love triangle.
More police officers have in the recent past died by their own hands due to various reasons, among them burnout, depression, infidelity and general frustration by their employer and senior officers.
This situation cannot be allowed to obtain. Although the National Police Service has introduced some counselling services, it's important that the NPS hires more counsellors to help officers who might be battling personal and even mental issues.
There is a range of prevention strategies that police managers can employ to minimise such tragedies, including identification of risk factors, sensitivity to overt and subtle cues of officer distress, and proper utilisation of counselling and referral services.
As is true with addressing any problem, the first and most important step is to recognise that the problem exists. With regard to police suicide, this fact can no longer be ignored.
Quote of the Day: “Remember when life’s path is steep to keep your mind even.”
Horace
The Roman poet was born on December 8, 65 BC.
