Residents of Njabini in Kinangop were on Monday left in shock after a 62-year-old woman and her son, 34, allegedly died by suicide.
The two are said to have hanged themselves three hours apart in Kiburu village, which borders Aberdare Forest.
The woman was the first to take her own life in the forest before the son followed suit in their home after learning of what had befallen his mother.
As police were collecting the body of the woman, they were informed that the son had also hanged himself, leaving the sleepy village with myriads of unanswered questions.
According to elder Timothy Ngure, they were still in darkness as to what led the woman to take her life as she had not complained of any challenges in her home.
He said a group of boys herding near the forest saw the woman’s body and informed members of the public, who in turn called the police.
“We were all in shock as police moved in to collect the body only to learn that the son had also taken his life in their home,” Ngure said.
Njabini North OCPD Francis Mwangi said on Monday the woman did not leave behind a suicide note. He said an inquest file had been opened.
“The woman was supporting the son and we suspect that on learning of her death, he also decided to commit suicide,” he said.
Meanwhile, police in Naivasha are investigating the murder of a flower farm worker in her house on Sunday night.
The body of the woman was found in her house at Kamere estate by neighbours who were concerned about her absence.
Witness Abel Okoth said the woman, who was living alone, had her throat slit. The house was locked from outside.
“Neighbours were attracted by blood spots on her door and upon checking, they found her lying in a pool of blood on the bed,” he said.
Naivasha OCPD Samuel Waweru said no suspect had been arrested, but investigating officers are following some leads.
“We are seeking some of her friends to record a statement over the murder and an inquest file has been opened,” he said.
