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A family in Migori County has been left in agony after
their 10-year-old daughter allegedly died by suicide on Saturday.
The girl took her life in the Ondong area, police said.
Area Assistant Chief Jeremiah Odhiambo, while confirming the
incident, said the girl was found hanging inside a kitchen.
Odhiambo further said that the motive is still unknown, terming the incident as baffling.
“As a community, we must come together to ensure our
children feel supported and loved. Let this tragedy be a wake-up call for all
of us to prioritise mental health and foster environments where children can
thrive,” Odhiambo said.
Police say the family has not reached out for any comment.
No suicide note was found, police said.
Officers from Migori police station processed and documented the scene.
The body was moved to Migori County Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting a postmortem examination.
Elsewhere in Giathugu village, Nyeri County a 16-year-old boy
died by suspected suicide.
The Form 3 student is said to have taken his life on
Sunday evening at his grandmother’s house.
According to police officers who visited the scene, his body was hanging
from the roof truss of his bedroom located within his grandmother’s main house
using a black insulated electric power cable.
No suicide note was recovered and the motive is still
unknown, police said.
Murukweini Police Station officers documented and processed the
scene.
The body was moved to Mukurwe-ini Subcounty Hospital Mortuary awaiting autopsy.
The case is pending investigation.
The World Health Organisation emphasises the importance of
recognising warning signs of suicidal thoughts.
These can include
withdrawal from social activities, drastic changes in behavior, and expressions
of hopelessness.
“It is vital to foster an environment where teens feel
comfortable discussing their feelings without judgment,” WHO says.
WHO advocates for preventive measures such as open communication, seeking professional health promoting resilience, fostering social connections that can buffer against isolation and familiarising families with mental health resources available at the community level.