Gatundu: Family in mourning after kin, 23, dies by suicide

Residents of Gatundu South constituency, Kiambu County, have raised the alarmed over rising cases of suicide.

According to a section of residents, many of the suicide cases have been happening without any warning signs, with victims appearing to be fine, only to be found dead later.

In the latest incident, James Mwangi, a father of one from Roi-Gacakai village, had gathered with his family members at his grandmother’s house for celebrations, but things took a tragic turn up as the 23-year-old man died by suicide later that night.

Mwangi is reported to have returned home with his wife and they proceeded to call it a night.

However, Mwangi’s widow woke up during the night to find he was not in the room and when she went around the house to check where he might be, found his body hanging from a rope in the kitchen.

Mwangi was eulogized as simple, polite and hardworking.

Karanja Karuri, Mwangi’s stepfather, narrated that there was no sign that such an incident would occur as he spent his Saturday as a jovial man who interacted well with other family members.

“The rising cases of suicide are a cause of major concern. This is not the first incident we are hearing about. It is shocking to hear that such a young man with a bright future has died,” he said.

Karuri blamed joblessness, abuse of drugs among other factors for rising cases of depression, leading youths to resort to harmful practices.

A few kilometers from the distraught family’s home, another family was preparing for the burial of another man who died by suicide after having supper with his children and other family members.

Patrick Kamau, 47, is said to have been dealing with emotional stress.

He is said to have called all his children and grandchildren for New Year celebrations at their home in Roma village and thereafter they took supper and Kamau excused himself, saying he was going to his room.

According to Rosemary Mumbi, his mother, Kamau ended up heading to a coffee farm where his body was later found dangling from a tree.