This archive report was first published on 28 December 2019.
December 27, 2019, will be remembered as a day when a 13-year-old girl from Kisumu Central penned a suicide note to her parents, sparking a viral letter that has raised concerns about the challenges faced by young people in the country.
The girl, who performed well in her KCPE exams, scoring 391 marks at Xarevian Primary School, was set to join Asumbi Girls High School in January 2020 but was held back by the Ksh 53,544 school fees.
However, her situation took a dramatic turn when Akothee, a popular entertainer, stepped in to offer her support and mentorship.
According to reports, the girl's mother, Lucy Emily Ombok, revealed that her daughter had been showing signs of emotional distress since the release of the national examinations on November 18.
Akothee, commenting on the case via her social media handles, promised to look for the girl and help the situation, saying, 'I will sponsor her education and teach her good life.'
The incident highlights the need for awareness and proper handling of youth showing signs of emotional distress, as highlighted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015, which reported that young people aged between 12 and 35 years are increasingly turning to suicide due to various challenges.
