GSU officer commits suicide after sacking, leaves note behind

A former GSU officer in the Kapkiamo area, Baringo County, committed suicide on Tuesday, February 18 after he was fired from his position.

Mark Kirui, a father of four, hanged himself on a tree using a rope and is said to have left behind a suicide note explaining why he decided to take his own life.

In the note, Kurui accused his former boss of unfairly dismissing his from work where he had served for 14 years. 

Japheth Ruto, the father to the deceased, says his son was distressed as he could not raise fees for his four children after the sacking.

Mr. Ruto then explained how Kirui’s children broke the news to him.

“Baba amejifunga na Kamba, ebu kujeni mfungue hiyo Kamba. Hao watoto wakaenda wakarudi ha huyo mtoto mdogo wakaenda wakaona wakaniambia mambo ni mbaya guka. Nikauliza kwanini, wakasema baba amejinyonga. Kijana mwengine akakuja na barua.” 

Which loosely translates to, “Dad has hanged himself with a rope, please come and loosen the rope. The children went and came back with the younger child and told me ‘things are not good grandfather’. When I asked why they told me dad had committed suicide. Another kid came with the suicide note,” said Mr Ruto.

The Kelyo chief Simon Cheraste who confirmed the incident urged residents to seek help from counsellors when they are faced with hard financial times.