In a heart-wrenching incident that underscores the mental health challenges faced by law enforcement officers, a police officer in Kerugoya tragically took his own life in his apartment.
The officer, identified as Allan Kihumba Njuguna, was found hanging from a manila rope attached to the roof of his rented house
. Moments before this devastating act, he left behind a poignant note for his lover, shedding light on the anguish he was experiencing.
The police report filed under OB 42/27/9/2023 detailed the grim discovery. Officer Njuguna had locked the door from the inside, sealing his fate. In a notebook, he left a heartfelt message that read, “short story if anything happens, I loved you.” d.
Further investigation into his phone’s history revealed that Officer Njuguna had searched online for information on how to commit suicide before taking his own life.
The officer’s phone was processed and documented by the security operations center (SOC) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kirinyaga.
His lifeless body was transported to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary as the case remains under investigation at the DCI Kirinyaga Central Police Station.
This tragic incident sheds light on the profound challenges faced by police officers, who operate in high-stress and demanding environments. The pressures of their profession can exact a heavy toll on their mental health, a reality that is often overlooked.
According to the latest data from the National Police Service Commission (NPSC), an alarming statistic emerges: one out of every ten police officers grapples with mental health issues.
This translates to approximately 12,000 officers who are silently battling mental health challenges stemming from work-related stressors.
These challenges are exacerbated by a multitude of factors, including family-related difficulties and the high cost of living, creating a perfect storm of stressors for those dedicated to maintaining law and order.
Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow has taken proactive steps. Senior police officers are currently undergoing training to equip them with the skills needed to support their subordinates in the workplace.
