SUICIDE MENACE

Policeman dies by suicide at station in Murang'a

His body was found in a pool of blood moments after gunshots were heard from his house

In Summary
  • Police said they heard a gunshot from his house and when they went to check on what had happened, they stumbled on the body on his bed.

  • Mbugua lived alone in the house and had not shown any signs of disturbance, his colleagues said.

STAR ILLUSTRATION
STAR ILLUSTRATION

A junior police officer died by suicide after he shot himself in the head at the Nyakianga police station in Muranga County.

The body of Constable Douglas Mbugua was found in a pool of blood moments after he had shot himself in his house on Monday, November 20.

Police said they heard a gunshot from his house and when they went to check on what had happened, they stumbled on the body on his bed.

Mbugua lived alone in the house and had not shown any signs of disturbance, his colleagues said.

Those who visited the scene said he shot himself through the mouth and the bullet exited the rear part of the head.

A total of three spent cartridges were recovered at the scene. Police said they are investigating the tragedy.

The motive of the incident is yet to be known.

The body was moved to Kiriaini Mission mortuary pending autopsy.

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.

Officials say the government, the National Police Service 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, officials say.

Cases of suicide have been on the rise this year and authorities blame the trend on mental distress.

Police handled 499 cases in 2019, and 575 in 2020. At least 313 people are reported to have taken their lives between January and July 2021.

Majority of the victims were male, police reports say. There is a drive to address the menace.

Globally, close to 800,000 people die of suicide every year with an estimated 78 per cent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

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