Policeman who committed suicide in Murang’a was ‘manning KCSE exams’
A police constable who committed suicide at Nyakianga Police Station which is located in Murang’a County was from manning the ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Mr Dougals Mbugua, 33, on November 20, 2023, shot himself dead inside his house which is located within the station.
Mr Anthony Muriuki the Mathioya Sub-County police boss said that he had requested his colleague who was at the report desk to have word with him as it was urgent.
However, since the report desk was still busy with Kenyans making various reports, he made a request that he finishes then they would talk.
“He then went to his house and a gunshot was heard just a few minutes later. This prompted officers to rush to the house but he was already dead,” said Mr Muriuki.
The colleagues said that when they heard the loud gunshot from the house of the officer they rushed to find out what had happened only to find the body on his bed.
“He was living alone in his house and had not in any way shown any signs of disturbance,” his colleagues said.
A police report reveals the officer shot himself through the mouth and the bullet exited through the read part of his head.
Three spent cartridges were recovered at the scene as police confirmed they were investigating what might have led to the officer to take his own life.
The motive of the incident is yet to be known.
His body was transferred to Kiriaini Mission Mortuary pending an autopsy.
Cases of police officers committing suicide have been on the increase in the recent past. Psychologists have attributed the incidents to stress and depression.
The government recently announced most of civil servants were struggling with mental health conditions.
Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha said there was a rise in cases of absenteeism from government officers which also affected service delivery.
He attributed this to depression and use of alcohol adding that the number of civil servants in need of counseling has risen from 5,000 to 13,000 in the last one year.
Gathecha identified uniformed officers as the most affected with the National Police Service and the Prison department leading in the number of depressed officers.
Also read: Ipoa confirms Kabarak University student died in police car accident
Mimi ni legend bila doo! Col Mustapaha appreciates Kenyans in new hit