A family in Mbagara Sub-Location of Mautuma Ward in Lugari, Kakamega County, is still coming to terms with the unusual manner in which their kin committed suicide.
Muhammed Juma, 46, burned himself to death in his house.
The area nyumba kumi (house unit officer), Mr. John Mukhwana, told the Western Kenya Times that he saw smoke emanating from Muhammed’s house while passing by. On entering the house, he found him lying on the bed with his body on fire.
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“When I saw that, I called some neighbors who were constructing a house nearby, and they responded quickly. We tried to put out the fire because his clothes and mattress were already burning.
“After that, I called his sister and the village elder, who also responded in time. We quickly looked for a vehicle to take him to Lumakanda County Hospital. He was badly burnt from the neck downwards,” he said.
The deceased’s sister, Niva Nakhumicha Simiyu, said Juma was offered first aid at Lumakanda and later referred to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
“When doctors (in Eldoret) saw my brother and examined him keenly, they said his body was 50 percent burned, meaning his survival was minimal,” Ms. Nakhumicha said.
He would be confirmed dead moments later.
The family is now appealing for help from local leaders to help them raise money to cover the hospital and funeral expenses.
His body is still at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Do not commit suicide. Here are quick tips when you feel things are overwhelming:
- Speak to someone
- Take a walk
- Read a book or listen to music, do something you love
- Seek the help of a counselor or a pastor, a religious leader
- Edited by Sam Oduor
Tom Lutali is a seasoned scribe based in Lugari Sub-County in Kakamega County who writes human interest stories and sports for WKT.
