Man dies by suicide in Kirinyaga

Officers at Kiamaciri Police Station in Kirinyaga County. [Timothy Kariuki, Standard]

A 26-year-old man has died by suicide in Kagio town in Kirinyaga County.

He allegedly committed the act after being denied money to buy bhang.

According to Mwea West Police Commander Wilson Koskei, the matter was reported by the deceased’s mother at Kiamaciri Police Station.

Koskei said Teresiah Wanjiru- the mother of the deceased reported that his son Peter Mwangi died by suicide in their rental house at Kagio.

The police commander said when the officers arrived at the scene, they found Mwangi’s body dangling on the roof.

The police boss said the 26-year-old argued with his mother the previous evening while asking for money to buy the drug, but was denied.

Elsewhere at Mutithi shopping centre, a 53-year-old man collapsed and died at a local bar.

Koskei said that it was unfortunate that his officers were presenting two male bodies to the Kibugi funeral mortuary.

He expressed concerns over increased cases of suicide in Kirinyaga, with statistics showing more deaths in younger people.

"Suicide among young people in Mwea-West sub-county is a significant issue. Since we ushered in the new year, four people have been brought to the mortuary, " Koskei said.

Mwea residents echoed his sentiments saying the county is losing many lives through suicide.