Teenager commits suicide following fight over TV remote

A 13-year-old girl from Jogoo area in Elementaita has committed suicide after fighting for a remote control with her cousin.

Shirleen Chebiwott is said to have committed suicide at her aunt’s rental home in Elementaita on Monday evening after disagreeing with her cousin over a channels each preferred to watch.

Gilgil OCPD Emmanuel Opur confirmed the incident saying that the girl, a class seven pupil hanged herself with a rope after the disagreements.

“The 13-year-old was living with the aunt and according to the report, the girl disagreed with her cousin over a remote control. Her body was later found hanging on a tree,” Mr Opur said.

He said the body has been taken to Nakuru Municipal mortuary.

Mr Opur however urged parents to be vigilant and watch over the children even as long holidays start.

"This is an exceptional case which also calls on parents to be vigilant and guide their children on resolving conflicts and on even what they watch," the OCPD says.

The family has since moved to their rural home in Mogotio in Baringo. Efforts to reach the family to comment on the matter has however been fruitless as they promised to get back later.