Boy commits suicide after birthday celebration

Residents visited a home in Gacharu village where a standard six boy committed suicide by hanging. [Boniface Gikandi/Standard]

A standard six boy in Murang’a committed suicide by hanging on his 12th birthday.

Body of Bryan Kamuri body was found in his room in Gacharu village, a day after he celebrated his birthday.  

The pupil at Kiangochi Primary School in Kiharu Constituency and who many described to as good and handworking hanged himself at unknown time between Friday night and Saturday morning.

The family members said their son was jovial at the time of going to bed. A neighbour Kamau Mwangi said Kamuri had been a jovial person in the neighbourhood.

“There is need for parents to understand their young as they could be suffering in silence, thus need for social workers to counsel and guide those in need of support,” said Mwangi.

Area chief Hannah Wanjiru described the incident as unfortunate saying the boy was known to be among the most disciplined.

She said in the villages there has been a lot of guidance and counselling targeting the youth to help them cope with life.

“Incidents of suicide especially among the youth is a major threat to the community. The administrators have been holding meetings with the community educating parents to spare time for engagement with their children,” said the administrator.

The pupil became the latest victim to commit suicide in Murang’a county, where three people are reported to take on their lives weekly.