A policewoman who died by suicide was cremated at a private event in the city amid calls by colleagues to address the rising trend in the service.
Only a few friends and family members of Constable Edith Nyawira, 35, attended the Thursday event. The family said this was per her wishes.
Those who attended the event said her ash was picked up for other rituals. The family said she left a note to her sister asking her to take care of her six-year-old son.
“She also wished her boyfriend goodbye but we do not know what motivated her actions,” a family member said.
On May 17, Nyawira committed suicide at the police camp in Limuru. Nyawira was attached to the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit.
Police said Nyawira was supposed to guard a local bank.
The team of investigators who visited the scene said they recovered three spent cartridges and two suicide notes addressed to the deceased’s sister and boyfriend.
On Saturday, a police constable attempted to commit suicide by swallowing a concoction believed to be poison.
Police said constable Bernard Ogada of Dujis police station, Mbalambala was found lying at his home following a domestic quarrel.
He was rushed to the hospital where he was admitted in stable condition.
This is the latest such incident to happen and affecting the service. At least a case is reported weekly, officials said.
Police suicides have been on the rise and most are blamed on stress and work-related trauma. As part of efforts to address the problem, authorities have started a counselling programme for the officers.
The National Police Service Commission announced it had established the counselling unit to evaluate, design, and lead an outreach programme to deal with mental health problems and substance abuse.
The programme helps police families and others affected by mental health problems, substance abuse and trauma.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i said the government, NPS and the Prisons Service have enhanced counselling and medical help for officers.
“There is a deliberate drive to destigmatise mental illness and stress and to actively reach out to potential cases, including through the Nyumba Kumi initiative,” Matiang'i said.
Counselors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199 for support.
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