A police officer attached to the Administration Police Service was found dead in an apparent suicide incident at Mugumo Assistant Chief’s compound in Ithanga/Kakuzi, Murang’a County.
Corporal Patrick Munene Muriithi, attached to the APS Ithanga/Kakuzi headquarters, was found hanging from a tree behind the Assistant Chief’s office on Thursday, October 1, 2026.
According to preliminary police reports, the officer had visited the Assistant Chief’s office at about 4:30pm, where they held a general conversation before he left.
The Assistant Chief reportedly observed nothing unusual during the conversation and later left his office, only to be informed that the officer had been found dead.
Police said the officer had used a sisal rope to hang himself from a tree behind the chief’s office.
The scene was processed and documented by investigators. The body had no visible injuries and was moved to General Kago Mortuary pending a postmortem examination.
Police said no suicide note was recovered from the scene, as investigations continue to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
The motive of the incident is yet to be known, police said.
This is the latest such incident to happen and affect the police service at large amid efforts to address mental issues among the police which is alarming.
The issue is affecting officers in all ranks, officials said.
The Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja said he had ordered that any mental illness related case be attended to immediately.
Triggers include tough work, financial issues, marriage wrangles, transfers, working far from friends and exposure to stresses.
However, the trend of incidents linked to work related trauma continue to rise.
There has been a spike of incidents involving police officers including murder and suicide which have been linked to mental wellness of the officers.
They include deaths by gun.
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.
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