Former GSU officer commits suicide, cites 'hard life'

A former General Service Unit (GSU) officer committed suicide at Kaptekiamo village in Baringo North, after he was allegedly sacked from the service.

Mark Kirui, 45, was fired from the National Police Service four years ago.

Baringo county police commander Robinson Ndiwa said Kirui committed suicide by hanging himself in a thicket, few kilometers from his house.

The body was discovered dangling on a tree by a group of herders.

“The former GSU officer committed suicide alleging that he was facing financial constraints after he was sacked,” said Ndiwa.

In a suicide note recovered from his house, the former police officer stated that life has not been easy since he was sacked.

Kirui also stated that after his dismissal from the service, he lacked someone to give him advice and encourage him to cope with life, including his friends and family members.

"I am very sorry to the entire family and community at large for my demise. (The) Reason behind this is that my brothers and sister stayed away from me. Life has been hard for me since I left the Kenya Police Service,” read part of the suicidal note.

The deceased too accused the National Police Service and Inspector General of police Hilary Mutyambai for not processing his benefits after he was terminated.

Kirui stated that he served in the service diligently for fourteen years.

Further, he asked members of his family and the community at large to take care of his four children.

However, Ndiwa said according to National Police Service regulations, if an officer’s term is terminated, he does not enjoy benefits.

“It is unfortunate that if you are sacked, you do not enjoy the benefits,” said the police commander.

The body was picked by police officers and taken to Kabarnet Hospital Morgue for postmortem.