Machakos man dies by suicide – police condemn increase in cases

A 55-year-old man died by suicide in Kangundo, Machakos County.

Albanus Kioko is said to have ended his own life on Friday at his home in Kayangii village in Kitwii sub-county of Kangundo sub-county.

Machakos County Police Commander Patrick Lobolia said the incident was reported to the Kangundo Police Station by one of the deceased’s relatives.

“The man’s body was found early Friday morning, hanging from the rafters of his house. He committed suicide with a rope on Thursday evening at an unknown time before his body was discovered by one of his close relatives on Friday morning,” Lobolia said.

On Friday, Lobolia spoke to the star at his office in Machakos City.

He said that according to reports, a relative came across the body after breaking into the deceased’s house on the fateful day.

Lobolia expressed concern over the increase in suicide rates in the county, noting that Kathiani sub-county leads in such incidents, followed by Kangundo, Masinga, Yatta, Matungulu, Machakos and Mwala, while Athi River sub-county recorded the least number of suicide cases.

He said that the majority of people who end their lives by suicide are children from the age of eight, adolescents, women and men of all ages, from 30 to 50 years old.

Lobolia said more men commit suicide than women in the county.

He noted that most victims left no suicide notes.

The police chief said investigations revealed that some suicides were due to undisclosed reasons in relationships, property disputes or inheritance in families, among others.

He added that drug and substance abuse may also contribute to incidents.

“If someone feels that life has become unbearable for him, he should share his difficult situation with a close friend, he can get help,” Lobolia said.

Lobolia said that some of those who commit suicide have threatened to do so before.

“Sometimes they tell their parents that they will commit suicide. So if you hear someone threatening to kill themselves, advise them to seek help from the appropriate authorities or people, including counselors, it could save a life,” he said.

He said that as a police force, he is involved in sensitizing the community on the need to protect life and avoid engaging in crimes such as committing suicide through public meetings.

“The numbers are alarming and intervention is needed from local elders, leaders and communities. They should find out why the suicide rate is high and advise or find a cure for the issue,” Lobolia said.