There was panic in a Nairobi hospital when a patient waiting for treatment pulled out his gun and shot himself, resulting in a tragic suicide.
The deceased was a licensed gun owner, according to the police.
Eyewitnesses said the deceased, identified as Abdala Mohamed, 72, was brought to the hospital's emergency section on Monday, February 26, around noon, where he shot himself in the head.
The deceased had a Beretta pistol, which he used in the incident. Police and hospital officials stated that the deceased was rushed inside a private car where the incident occurred.
At that time, the prescribed medication was not in the emergency area, and arrangements were being made to bring it. It is unclear what treatment he was supposed to receive.
Frustrated by the situation, he started making calls before pulling out his gun and shooting himself in the head, witnesses and police said.
His driver, who had brought him and was attending to him, then rushed outside seeking help. He was unable to assist while being attended to.
Officials said they are investigating the incident. A check at the scene revealed that his car was damaged by gunfire, indicating that he was still waiting in the emergency area, police said.
The deceased lived in the nearby South B neighborhood.
This is the latest reported suicide case.
Police say suicide incidents have been increasing, prompting calls for action to address the issue.
There were 174 reported suicide cases in 2020 compared to 196 in 2019, 302 in 2018, 421 in 2017, and 302 in 2016. Most of the victims were men, according to police reports.
Police say the situation is concerning and on the rise, with two cases reported daily.
The World Health Organization attributes these cases to unemployment, death, professional failure, pressure, legal issues, and financial problems.
Other factors include bullying, previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.
WHO estimates suicide as a major global public health issue among the top 20 leading causes of death worldwide.
Kenya ranks 114 out of 175 countries with high suicide rates.
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