A disturbing wave of suspected suicide cases reported across five counties between June 29 and July 1 has renewed concern over Kenya’s worsening mental health situation.

Within just three days, police recorded five deaths in Siaya, Kajiado, Busia, Kisii, and Nyamira counties prompting fresh calls for early intervention and stronger mental health support.

In Rarieda, Siaya County, 33-year-old Amos Omondi Ngori was found dead early Monday morning. According to police, his body was discovered hanging from a tree in his compound by his wife, with visible ligature marks but no suicide note. The body was taken to Lwak Mission Hospital for postmortem examination.

In Kajiado County, 30-year-old Emmanuel Nyakora Mugaka was found dead in his house near an SDA church in Magadi. Preliminary investigations suggest that he died by suicide through hanging. Police have launched investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the case.

In Busia County, a third case was reported in Nambale involving 64-year-old Ibrahim Namahabwa. He was found hanging in his house by his wife, who immediately notified the authorities. His body was taken to the local mortuary as investigations continue.

Another incident occurred in Kisii County’s Gucha South area, where 22-year-old Albert Nyankeya reportedly ingested poison after allegedly finding his girlfriend with another man. Witnesses told police that Nyankeya had previously threatened to end his life. He was rushed to Tabaka Mission Hospital but died while receiving treatment.

The fifth case was reported in Kitutu Central, Nyamira County, where 30-year-old Jared Oresi was found hanging from the roof of his brother’s house in Iteresi village. While police suspect suicide, investigations are ongoing to gather more details about the incident.

The series of deaths has drawn urgent attention from authorities, with police urging the public to stay alert to signs of emotional distress and to take early action. They called on families and communities to support those struggling with mental health and to encourage timely counselling and reporting.

“Authorities stressed the importance of seeking timely counselling and encouraged reporting suspected cases of mental health struggles before they escalate.”

Investigations into all five incidents are ongoing.