Cop dies by suicide in his house in Kiambu 

A police officer died by suicide in his house in Ikinu, Kiambu County.

Police said the incident happened on May 23 and involved constable Soita Baraza who was attached to Gathaithi police post.

His body was discovered hanging on a window grill long after the incident.

His colleagues said they were concerned they had not seen him for long and on checking they found the body hanging on the window grill with a curtain tied around his neck.

The motive of the incident was not immediately known.

The body was removed to Mokue Mortuary for preservation pending postmortem examination.

His family was informed of the same.

No Suicide note was found at the scene, police said as they described the deceased as a hardworking officer.

Police said they are investigating the death. Suicide is one of the leading causes of deaths in the service.

Authorities police are exposed to many forms of trauma that lead some to suicide in a worrying trend.

As part of efforts to address the trend, police authorities have launched counselling services, and the National Police Service Commission has established a unit and staffed it to attend to their demanding situation.

The counselling unit, among other things, evaluates, designs and leads an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse

Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of all community problems.

They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, besides putting their lives at risk.

Over the years, a spike in deaths in the service has been linked to trauma.

The World Health Organisation says such cases are also 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.

The government says efforts are being made to address the menace.