A family in Turbo, Uasin Gishu County is mourning the death of their kin, a police officer, who took his own life.
According to witnesses, the policeman asked his youngest son to leave the house before locking the doors and torching it while trapping himself inside.
Turbo police boss, Edward Masibo, confirmed the incident, noting that investigations had been launched to unravel the mystery behind the officer's suicide.
The man, who neighbours say had started drinking excessively, refused to open the doors for them when they rushed to help put out the fire after the minor asked them to come to his aid.
Neighbours told journalists on Saturday, December 11, that the cop had told his son he was lighting the mattress to scare away bees.
His wife and oldest son were in church at the time of the incident.
"I found the entire house on fire and when he noticed me, he started shouting and asking us to leave him alone," a neighbour told the press.
"He was moving around the house shouting that he did not need help and we could see smoke come from inside the house."
When police arrived at the house of their colleague, the officer had burnt to death. They broke down the doors and took his remains to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue.
The incident comes in the backdrop of calls by members of the public and civil rights activists for the National Police Service (NPS) to offer support to their officers who are suffering mental health problems.
In July 2021, the National Police Service revealed data that showed the worrying numbers of officers who are being treated with mental health issues in the country.
According to the Police Director of Chaplaincy, Counseling, and Psychological Support, 101 officers have received mental health treatment at Chiromo Lane Hospital. 34 of the 101 have already been discharged, while 67 are still under active treatment.
The need to address mental health issues has been necessitated by the recent spike in cases of violence involving police officers.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also issued a statement after a police officer shot five civilians before turning the gun on himself in Kabete.
While addressing General Service Unit (GSU) graduands at their Embakasi Campus in Nairobi County on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, the Head of State raised concern over the rising cases of rage killings by police officers.
Uhuru pleaded with cops to seek alternative means of addressing their issues such as counselling. He reminded the police of the great responsibility they hold with their guns.
"I am begging you. If you see that you have a problem at home or at work, look for your colleagues, seniors, or family so that you talk to them. You will get a solution by simply talking," Uhuru advised.
