10-year-old boy commits suicide over cashew nuts

A standard three pupil from Mtondia Primary school in Kilifi County committed suicide on Saturday, December 9 after losing in a game of cards.

Silas Kazungu Charo, whose 10th-year birthday party was to be next week on December 15 hang himself at around 11 am after losing to his friends.

The group of friends gambled using cashew nuts and Silas was angry when he lost his to the winner. He tried to reclaim his batch but his friends mocked him for losing.

After losing the game, a crying Silas went to his mother who was cooking. She consoled him and asked him to let go before he proceeded to his shared bedroom. His sister who had been sleeping left the room and that is when he committed the act.

Silas’ dad, Kazungu who had set preparations for the birthday party was shocked when he learn the sad news from Silas’ mother.

“My son has shocked me. He continued gambling with his friends and when he lost the game and his friends laughed and mocked him. He became angry and tried to fight to reclaim his cashew nuts but he did not manage,” he said.

Kilifi OCPD Alexander Makau said the incident had been reported and they were handling it as suicide.

"The body of the young Silas was later moved to Kilifi Hospital mortuary," said Makau.