Tragedy struck Red Soil village in Mwea East, Kirinyaga County, when a 19-year-old college student, Rachael Mwihaki, died by suicide shortly after urging her father and elder sister to return home urgently.
The Final Phone Calls
According to her elder sister, Regina Ng’endo, Rachael called her, claiming their mother, Elizabeth Wakuthii, was threatening to take her own life.
“She called me and said our mother was contemplating suicide and asked me to come home quickly. I told her I didn’t have fare, and she sent me money,” Ng’endo recalled.
Upon arriving, Regina found her younger sister’s lifeless body hanging from the ceiling in their bedroom.
“My father, who had been away from home for five days, also rushed back after her call, only to find the same devastating scene,” Ng’endo added.
Community in Shock
The incident has left residents of Red Soil village in disbelief. Area leader Stephen Kimani said villagers raised the alarm, prompting officers from Wang’uru Police Station to respond swiftly.
Rachael had recently enrolled in a local college in Ngurubani town after completing her high school education, making the incident even more heartbreaking for those who knew her.
Rising Concerns Over Mental Health
The Kirinyaga branch of the Counselling and Psychological Association, led by Chairman Kamau Muchira, has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of suicide in the region.
“This tragic loss highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and intervention, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month,” Muchira said.
He urged families and communities to remain vigilant and create safe spaces for individuals to express their struggles, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health issues to prevent further tragedies.
Next Steps
The body of the deceased has been moved to the Kibugi Funeral Home as police launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Authorities are urging anyone experiencing emotional distress to seek help through available support systems, including hotlines and community resources.
