Alarm over high suicide rates in Homa Bay

Homa Bay is on the alert after it was revealed that the youth in the county are taking their own lives at an alarming rate.

A recent research conducted by the department of Social Services in the county has revealed that over 30 youth have committed suicide in the last five months.

This comes after Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum expressed concern over increased cases of suicide incidences in the county.

According to the county director of Social Services Mr. Charles Onyancha, Homa Bay town topped the list with nine youths having committed suicide; Rachuonyo North recorded 5, Suba North 5, Ndhiwa 4, Suba South, 4 and Rachuonyo South 3 respectively.

Speaking to journalists in his office, Mr. Onyancha said youths ranging between the age of 15-35 years are the most affected.

He said drugs are immensely contributing to the alarming suicide rates.

World Health Organisation statistics show that 16 out of every 100,000 males and 8 out of every 100,000 females commit suicide in Kenya.

HIV/AIDS stigmatization and depression among the teenagers were also picked as having contributed to the issue.

Elizabeth Omimo, a social worker urged parents to be involved in their children’s lives and also championed the creation of rehabilitation centers within the county.