A police officer tragically died by suicide on the morning of Monday, December 2, at Kyuso Police Station in Kitui County. Constable Isaac Wesonga reportedly shot himself at the report office after being issued a firearm for the day’s duties. The motive remains unclear, and authorities have launched investigations into the incident. His body was transported to the local mortuary for an autopsy and further inquiries.
In a separate incident in Thika, Kiambu County, the body of Constable Samuel Chege, attached to the Railways Police Station, was discovered in his home. Police reported no visible injuries on the body, which has been moved to the mortuary for examination.
These events follow another case on Saturday, November 30, when Constable George Kimiti Gichuki, an armourer at the Administration Police Service in Nyeri Town, was found dead from an apparent suicide. Police stated he used an AK-47 rifle to shoot himself in the chest, with the bullet exiting through his back. Investigators recovered the rifle, a detached magazine, a spent cartridge, and a projectile at the scene.
Two weeks earlier, on November 18, Corporal Collins Imoni Onyando died by suicide at the National Police Service Campus in Nyeri County. Reports indicate he shot himself in the chin, and the bullet exited through his head. A CZ rifle loaded with 29 rounds of ammunition was recovered near his body, along with an empty cartridge.
These incidents are part of a troubling trend, with at least three suicide cases involving police officers reported monthly. Officials attribute the rise in such cases to the immense pressure and trauma faced by officers in their line of duty. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja noted that law enforcement personnel often encounter distressing scenes of crime and accidents, leading to long-term psychological challenges, including depression and PTSD. Research indicates that police officers experience higher rates of mental health issues and suicide compared to the general population.
Kanja emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges within the police force, acknowledging the demanding and stressful nature of the profession despite its noble purpose of serving and protecting the public.
