Former councillor found hanging inside his car shed

A 70-year-old former civic leader in Trans Nzoia County has been found dead is what is suspected to be a case of suicide.

Fred Opindo Omondi, a former councillor, was found dead inside a parking shed within his home in Endebess on Sunday afternoon.

According to a family member, the former civic leader was alone at home.

His first wife Bernadine Omondi, who served as a nominated ward rep between 2013 and 2017, had left for church. 

"He was alone in the homestead after his first wife had left for church. We found his body hanging inside the shed," the source told The Standard.

Omondi served in the defunct Nzoia County Council for three terms and has been running a business in Kitale.

Police said they were puzzled by the action of the family to move his body before informing them. 

"The information we got is that the former councilor took his own life by hanging and when the family discovered this, they moved his body to the mortuary," said Endebess OCPD Salestoh Njiru 

He said police are investigating the circumstances under which the former councilor committed suicide saying he did not leave behind any suicide note.

County Assembly Speaker Joshua Werunga said Omondi was in good health when they met on Saturday.

“I was with the former councillor on Saturday, it is shocking that he is dead," said the speaker.

His neighbours described Omondi a political mentor.

"He has mentored many political leaders and his death is a big blow. We will miss his contribution to political development," said Dan Sabiri.