University student found dead after suspected suicide at Egerton

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Police are investigating an incident in which a student at Egerton University was found dead after a suspected suicide.

The body of Collins Mutua Kimathi, 23 was found hanging from a tree in the university’s botanic garden.

Security officials found the body on Saturday evening, officials said.

He was a student at Egerton University who was undertaking an agriculture business management course.

A black cap, letter of offer, his national identification card, a wrist watch and mobile phone were found at the scene.

No suicide note was found. The motive of the incident is yet to be established police said.

The body was moved to Egerton Mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Cases of suicide have been on the rise amid calls to take action to address the trend.

Trauma is among the leading causes of the suicide incidents reported, officials say.

There were 174 cases of suicide reported in 2020 as compared to 196 in 2019, 302 in 2018, 421 in 2017 and 302 in 2016.

The majority of the victims were male, police reports say.

Police say the trend has been worrying and increasing as up to two cases are reported daily.

The World Health Organization says such cases are attributed to joblessness, death, academic failures or pressures, legal difficulties and financial difficulties.

Other reasons are bullying, previous suicide attempts, history of suicide in a family, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression and bipolar disorder.

WHO rates suicide as a serious global public health issue that is among the top 20 leading causes of death worldwide.

Kenya ranks position 114 among the 175 countries with the highest suicide rates.

Meanwhile, a 65-year-old man was found dead in his house in Mwea, Kirinyaga County.

Police said Livingston Ngatia Kagagi was last seen on April 4 while entering his three-bedroom house.

The deceased body was discovered two days later by relatives and neighbors who broke the door.

The body had no visible injuries. The body was moved to Kibugi Funeral Home awaiting postmortem.

A probe into the incident has been launched, police said.

BY THE STAR  

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