Man hangs self as country marks Suicide Day

As the country joined other nations in marking the World Suicide Day, psychology and psychiatric professionals have warned on the rising cases of suicide and attempted suicide in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Speaking at Iten Referral Hospital, County Director of Public Mental Health, William Kendagor, said that cases of suicide are on the rise among social workers, adding that most of the suicide cases are linked to marital problems in families leading to desperation.

“Suicide has been contributed by family conflicts that lead to frustrations among couples and even trickle down to the children,” he said.

Kendagor said that since suicide cases have been on the rise, the County Government is setting up a referral facility in collaboration with NACADA to help address challenges of mental health.

Clinical psychologist Winnie Kitetu said that they are working on ensuring that they extend public education to the people and advising couples on how to manage misunderstandings.

“These frustrations escalate to fatal levels in 3-4 years if they remain unresolved,” she said.

Even as this was happening, a 21-year-old man who had been reported missing for two days committed suicide Friday morning at his home in Nyamaraga, Suna West.

The man, identified as Austine Ochieng, was found dangling on a rope by relatives.

Nyamaraga chief, Silvance Nyarube, said: “The deceased escaped from home several days after he was caught with a stolen cow belonging to his father.”

After missing for several days, the chief said the deceased sneaked back home Thursday night and committed suicide Friday morning.

The body of the deceased was removed to Migori Level Four Hospital.

Reports by Elijah Cherutich and George Juma