Concerns over rising cases of homicides, suicides in Molo

Residents of Molo, Nakuru County have raised alarm following rising homicide and suicide cases in the area that has seen at least six people lose their lives since January.

The residents are still trying to unravel the puzzle of two separate incidents reported on Monday where two adults were found dead in their houses days after they died.

Speaking to The Standard, Molo sub-county police boss Samuel Mukusi said that the first incident was reported in Tayari area where the body of a 32-year-old man found decomposing.

“The landlord had failed to see the man identified as Peter Macharia for three days. They realized the door was locked from inside and there was a foul smell. The police and residents broke into the house and found him dead,” said Mukusi.

The sub-county police boss explained that neighbours revealed that the deceased had marital issues with his wife before the two separated only for him to go missing days later.

“It was a suicide incident. The body was dangling from the roof with a rope around his neck. He is said to have had a disagreement with his wife and parted ways,” said Mukusi.

And just before sundown, the police were called in to process yet another similar scene at Keepleft area, less than five kilometers away from the previous where a man only identified as Karanja was found dead.

It was not immediately established what led to Karanja’s death whose body condition indicated he had died days earlier than Macharia. Bodies of the two persons were taken to the Molo Sub-County Hospital morgue.

“We are still investigating the cause of his death and his actual identity. Residents claim that he had sunk into alcoholism and loss of hope in life. From the condition of his body found on his bed, he had died at least five days ago,” said Mukusi.

On February 26, a form three student at Elburgon DEB Secondary School hanged herself in her parents’ house.

Mukusi said that the girl who didn’t leave behind a suicide note had hanged herself using a piece of cloth.

The family revealed that the girl had not spent the previous night at her parents’ house and returned on the fateful Friday afternoon when nobody was around.

“She was found dead by her father who returned home at around 3pm. The parents said they had not had a confrontation with her over where she had spent the previous night,” said Patrick Njoroge, a resident.

On February 9, 48-year-old Wilson Koech of Lawina village fatally shot his wife with an arrow as he was aiming at their eighteen-year-old son following a disagreement over the sale of foodstuffs.

"Koech wanted to sell some maize they had harvested but his son who is still a student objected. Koech was angered and aimed an arrow at the son who dodged. The arrow got lodged into the chest of his 43-year-old wife Rose Kimui killing her on the spot," said Mukusi.

Area Chief Harun Koima revealed that differences between the man and his son had begun earlier when he stopped his further from haphazardly selling their land to finance his alcoholism tendencies.

"The suspect had five acres of land. Between 2012 and 2015 he secretly sold part of it. The son hid the original title deed to stop him to date. It is unfortunate the feud has come to a tragic end,” said Koima.

On February 6, Beth Wangui of Ndimu village committed suicide by drowning herself in Kamirithu dam.

Just before Wangui took the suicidal dive into the dam, she threw her ten-year-old daughter to the deep end. She then followed with her three-year-old son still perched on her back.

Her mother Teresiah Njoki said Wangui was battling depression after she quit her marriage weeks earlier and returned to her parents’ home.

“When she came back it was apparent that she was living a stressful life with her husband. She came back with her two children and we embraced her,” said Njoki.

While Wangui and Njoki died in the incident, her three-year-old son miraculously survived after the residents spotted him in time.

“I was alerted by the cry of a baby within the dam. I moved closer and saw the helpless boy clutching at reeds floating on the waters. He was trying to move out but they were cutting off. I rescued the boy and alerted the residents,” said Tabitha Irungu.

January 31 ended tragically for residents of Kapsita village after a 30-year-old Stephen Marigi killed his 60-year-old mother-in-law Margaret Wanjiru by stabbing her with a kitchen knife.

Area chief Alex Gichane explained that Marigi had an argument with his wife who resolved to move back to her mother’s house.

“On the fateful day, Marigi turned up at his in-law’s home armed with crude weapons. His wife dashed inside the house for safety. Wanjiru went out to calm Marigi who instead stabbed and killed her on the spot,” said Gichane.

The deceased’s son and neighbor who had come to her rescue also sustained serious injuries and admitted to Elburgon Hospital for treatment.

Dr David Gatua, a psychologist, attributed the rising cases of homicide and suicide in Molo to depression and alcoholism, calling for concerted efforts from stakeholders to stem the incidents.

“Many people are struggling economically. We are also seeing a rising number of dysfunctional families over a wide range of issues. We need to come together and address this matter which is claiming more lives by the day,” said Dr Gatua.

He added that religious leaders had a bigger role to play noting that they were closer to the people and had an easier way to get personal contact with affected persons.

Nakuru County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Health Dr Kariuki Gichuki said that the county government intends to conduct a mental health awareness campaign in the area.

“We have already engaged 80 religious leaders who will help us conduct this awareness campaign. The cases are alarming and we are taking the matter seriously. We urge any other partners to come on board as we embark on this process,” said Dr Gichuki.