This archive report was first published on 28 June 2020.
Kakamega's Rising Suicide Rate: A Cry for Help ¶
Between May and June, Kakamega County witnessed a 50% rise in suicide cases compared to the same period last year. The alarming trend has left many families in turmoil, with parents struggling to cope with the loss of their loved ones.
One such family is that of Rose Shimoli, whose 15-year-old daughter Ruth Nekesa took her own life after being scolded for getting involved with boys. Nekesa's fresh grave remains a stark reminder to Shimoli of what life would have been and the unmet expectations she had in her daughter.
Shimoli recalls the warnings she gave her daughter moments before her death, which remain fresh in her mind like a fresh wound. 'A neighbour informed me about my daughter's unbecoming behaviours. She had allegedly been caught with boys in a house. Together with my husband, we reprimanded Nekesa. She got annoyed to the extent of committing suicide,' Shimoli said.
According to Shimoli, all she wanted was to correct her daughter 'who was bright in class and much disciplined.' However, her actions ultimately led to Nekesa's tragic demise.
Between May and June, at least 11 cases of suicide were reported at Kakamega police station, compared to five reported within the same period last year. Kakamega County Police Commander Hassan Barua says most cases go unreported.
Experts warn that the government needs to roll out a mental health campaign in all counties to address the issue. 'The cases are not surprising, people are depressed. Many are struggling to adapt to the new way of life. This piles a lot of pressure on them,' said Lukoye Atwoli, a psychiatrist and expert in epidemiology of trauma and post-traumatic stress.
Atwoli agrees that the unreported cases of suicide may be higher than those known, noting that there are families that opt to keep quiet fearing stigma. 'Even when schools reopen, many learners will struggle to cope. This is why we have been pushing them to roll out mental health programmes in counties to address the issue,' he said.
