In a heartbreaking turn of events, police officers in Kericho County are currently investigating the tragic death of a 19-year-old student who was found dead in the corridor of her family’s residence. The young woman, whose name has been withheld, reportedly took her own life after allegedly being dumped by her boyfriend.
Authorities arrived at the scene promptly but noted that the investigation is ongoing as no suicide note was found, leaving the motive behind her actions yet to be officially determined. However, preliminary investigations have revealed that the student, who was nine months pregnant at the time of her death, was deeply distressed following the breakup.
The distressing incident unfolded early in the morning during Easter family celebrations when the deceased’s mother made the harrowing discovery. Her cries of anguish alerted other family members and neighbours, who rushed to the scene in a desperate attempt to save the young woman. Tragically, their efforts were in vain as she had already passed away.
Police investigate KKerisho student death
Upon being informed, the authorities from Kericho Police Station swiftly responded and transferred the student’s body to Kericho Referral Hospital Mortuary for further examination.
This tragic event sheds light on the alarming trend of young students taking their own lives due to relationship issues. According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), the suicide rate among men in Kenya has been four times higher than that of women over the past two decades. Factors contributing to these rising statistics include depression, mental illness, relationship breakdowns, financial difficulties, and feelings of isolation.
Human rights advocates have emphasized the urgent need for mental wellness programs to be implemented in public institutions such as universities to address the escalating cases of suicide among young people. By providing adequate support and resources for mental health awareness and assistance, it is hoped that such devastating losses can be prevented in the future, sparing families and communities from enduring such profound grief and sorrow.