Police in Machakos are investigating an incident where a woman died by suicide leaving behind a note detailing reasons for her action.
The deceased in her early 30s is said to have hung herself on a tree outside her matrimonial house on the outskirts of Machakos town on Saturday.
In the suicide note, she blamed her action on pressure from a loaning company after allegedly taking a loan and hard economic times among other issues.
“Those who think that online loans are good, know that they are not," read the note.
The body was found dangling from the top of a tree with a sisal rope on her neck.
A detective privy to the matter told the Star that they were investigating the incident.
The woman also in the note reportedly stated that her children should be taken to an orphanage and her body buried in her father’s homestead.
She listed some of the people she owed money to with instructions that they should be paid.
The woman who listed the amount against the names of those she owed didn’t say who should clear the debts.
She didn’t indicate on the note the amount she had borrowed.
Police removed the body to Machakos Level 5 Hospital mortuary awaiting an autopsy.
Machakos county police commander Patrick Lobolia reiterated increased rates of suicide cases in the county.
Lobolia said a majority of those who die by suicide in Machakos, Kathiani, Matungulu, Kangundo, Yatta, Masinga, Mwala and Athi River subcounties were male adults.
He, however, noted that the Athi River subcounty reports the least cases of suicide incidents.
Athi River assistant chief Martin Ngomo said at least one person dies by suicide in his area of jurisdiction each month.
“We have had an upward trend of suicide death-related cases in the Athi River sub-location. Three people have committed suicide in the area in the last three months,” Ngomo said.
Ngomo spoke to the Star at his office in Athi River town on Monday.
He cited misunderstanding among couples, trauma and life challenges as some causes of suicide in the area.
Ngomo said men between 24 and 40 years were the ones who die by suicide mostly in his sublocation.
“Speak out. You shouldn’t leave orphans, widows or widowers by dying by suicide. If you have problems, get to chiefs, churches, and village elders for help. You can be guided, counselled and given material support,” Ngomo said.
The administrator said there were NGO’s that support the vulnerable populace in the Athi River subcounty.
“I wish to tell the public that suicide isn’t the solution to problems. Whatever it might be, there is a solution in church, NGO, and government offices. Speak up, you will be assisted,” Ngomo said.
Ngomo said the mortality rate had equally gone up in the sublocation.
“In a week, one person dies either due to ailments such as high blood pressure, pneumonia, malaria or through other causes. Let’s protect ourselves so that the mortality rate can be reduced,” he said.
He said there are about 50,000 people in the Athi River sublocation.
Nominated MCA Irene Mulu said it was unfortunate that suicide cases were increasing especially among men in Machakos county.
Mulu said marital issues and poverty were the major causes.
“Men can’t open up like women when things aren’t right, especially in their homes. I talked to some police officers about it sometime back and they told me some women have moved to the nearest markets for business leaving their elderly husbands home thereby choosing to commit suicide out of frustrations,” Mulu said.
“Secondly, when men find it hard to cater for the needs of their families due to the economic situation as of now, they can’t bear the shame of being accused by society. So, they end up dying by suicide,” Mulu said.
She said there should be a counselling department in every ward located in hospitals across Machakos County for those going through psychological problems to have sessions with qualified counsellors.
Mulu said people don’t open up in rural areas due to stigma.
