Villagers at the man who committed suicide/Courtesy
A 49-year-old man from Sossian Village in Lugari Sub-County committed suicide by jumping into the river after lacking money to visit a dentist.
The man complained of severe toothaches and had attempted to take his own life three times, his family said.
Rhoda Khavochi, his sister, told the media that the man was rescued by neighbors during the three attempts, who locked him inside his house for three days.
“We had tried to save him three times, but we are disappointed that he has decided to take his life in such a cruel manner,” a neighbor said.
When he got a chance to escape, he rushed towards the Sossian River, dived into the river, and drowned.
His body was retrieved by villagers and local divers before police from Turbo Police Station came to pick it up.
The man, who lives alone as his two children aged 8 and 6 stay with his sister, was a casual laborer.
Abraham and Shamala, the area village elder, said the man, apart from suffering a toothache, appeared mentally disturbed.
“He was the sole breadwinner who was taking care of his elderly and ailing mother, though he looked depressed before taking his life,” Shamala said.
Lugari Sub-County Police Commander Bernard Ngungu confirmed the incident and said the matter is under investigation.
“Our officers are investigating the matter because it is strange,” Ngungu said.
The body was taken to the Kimbilio funeral home in neighboring Uasin Gishu County.
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.
