A 22-year-old university student was discovered deceased inside an apartment in Lang’ata, Nairobi, on Wednesday, March 27.
According to a source familiar with the situation speaking to a media outlet, the student had lost Ksh15,000 in a bet with friends. The funds, intended for his tuition fees and extra pocket money, were lost on Tuesday evening, causing the student distress and frustration throughout the night.
Reportedly isolating himself on Wednesday, the student engaged in conversations with an unidentified individual. Concerned friends later visited the apartment but were unable to locate him until discovering his lifeless body hanging from the rooftop after an extensive search.
Upon arrival at the scene, Lang’ata police found a note addressed to the student’s mother, encouraging her to remain resilient. The body was subsequently transported to the City Mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
Sources suggest that the student had been battling depression due to ongoing financial losses from gambling activities.
This tragic incident highlights the growing concern of youth suicide rates. According to the Kenya Mental Health Policy 2015-2030, suicide ranks as the second leading cause of non-communicable deaths, following road traffic accidents.
Data indicates that individuals aged 15 to 24 years face a heightened risk of suicide, with females comprising a significant portion of reported cases.
In response, experts advocate for increased mental health awareness among young people, emphasizing the importance of confiding in trusted individuals and accessing suicide helplines staffed by trained professionals.
Counsellors, medical professionals, and psychologists underscore the importance of seeking assistance at the onset of any mental health challenges. Support is available through the toll-free Kenya Red Cross hotline, 1199.