A Kenya Defence Forces soldier was found dead after a suspected suicide incident in Bukati village, Butula, Busia County.
Officials said the incident happened on Friday December 5. The deceased was identified as senior sergeant Patrick Asala Bwibo, 53 and who was attached to the Kenya Navy in Mombasa.
The motive was not immediately known, officials who attended the scene said.
He died by suicide by hanging himself with a rope that was tied around his neck in a store in his compound.
The body was moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.
Such cases have been on the rise in the military amid efforts to contain the trend.
Like police officers, dozens of soldiers have died as a result of suicide in a trend that is attributed to stress at work.
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 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.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
