This archive report was first published on 23 October 2019.
As of October 23, 2019, at least eight cases of teenage suicides have been reported in Bomet County, with the latest incident involving a 16-year-old pupil at Mogogosiek Township Academy.
According to the police, the girl consumed unknown pesticide while in bed, and her parents found her foaming from the mouth and vomiting.
Her father, David Tonui, reported that his 9-year-old daughter woke him up at 11:00 pm, saying her elder sister was vomiting.
Police suspect that the girl was protesting punishment meted out by her parents earlier in the day, with the parents allegedly suspecting her of being in a romantic relationship.
Investigations into the incident have started, and the police have recovered an empty bottle smelling unknown chemicals under the bed where the deceased was sleeping.
Since September 22, 2019, at least seven cases have been reported at various schools in the county, including Kamungei, Aisaik, Kipyosit, Merigi, and Longisa Boys secondary schools, as well as Chebois and Bomet primary schools.
Some of the contributing factors to the suicides include teenage pregnancies, domestic disputes, terminal illness, and substance abuse.
