Bishop commits suicide in Lurambi

The body of a church leader was found hanging in his kitchen in a suspected suicide.

Bishop Emmanuel Nyongesa Simiyu, 45, of Mwamba Faith by Works Ministry in Lurambi village hanged himself on Sunday shortly after returning home from a preaching mission.

Sources within the family told The Standard that Mr Simiyu had earlier refused to eat and appeared disturbed.

"For the past three months the bishop seemed disturbed and had promised to do something  terrible," said a source. 

At 7am on Sunday morning, the bishop is said to have woken up and gone to the kitchen where his son later found his lifeless body hanging in the kitchen. 

Baraton location chief Mildred Chesoli said the bishop did not leave behind any suicide note.

"We are yet to establish why he decided to take his own life," said chief.

Services at his church were suspended following news of his death as faithful rushed to the homestead to confirm the news.

"At first I did not believe that our bishop had killed himself. I spent Sh100 to go to his homestead and see for myself," said Grace Simiyu.

Residents said the death had shaken the village.

"Why would a man of God end his life? Who is going to look after his flock?" posed one of them.