Policeman kills his 3 children, dies by suicide in Rachuonyo, Homa Bay

A police officer killed his three children before he died by suicide in his house in Rachuonyo, Homabay County.

The officer was based in Marsabit and had passed by his home on Sunday, April 6 when the tragedy happened.

The deceased officer was identified as Constable David Okebe Goga of Marsabit police station.

Police said they found a suicide note in the house.

It, among others, explained how he and the children should be buried.

The police are analysing the note to confirm if he authored it.

Police and neighbours said the children included his two and one who belonged to his in-law.

The deceased children were a boy aged six, a girl aged five and the boy of his in-laws aged five. 

According to police, preliminary findings showed he fed them with poison. The officer hanged himself in his house.

He then took his own life at Kakdhimu East location, Kawiti Sublocation, Kawarwai village of Rachuonyo West Subcounty.

The motive of the incident was not immediately known.

Police said they are investigating the incident.

A sombre mood engulfed the area when news of the incident spread attracting a crowd of locals.

The bodies were moved to the mortuary pending autopsy and other procedures.

This is the latest suicide incident to involve a police officer.

Police say cases of suicide among police officers are on the rise amid efforts to address the trend. Many say this is linked to their stress. 

Dozens of police officers have died as a result of suicide, or were killed many in a trend that is attributed to stress at work.

As part of efforts to address the trend, police authorities have launched counselling services and the National Police Service Commission has established a unit and staffed it to attend to their demanding situation.
T

he counselling unit will, among other things, evaluate, design and lead an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse.


At least three suicide cases involving police officers are recorded every month. Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of all community problems.


They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, besides putting their lives at risk.