A Nairobi-based police officer who was the subject of a viral video that appeared to show him drunk and staggering while on duty has died by suicide.
The Nation quoted a police report which indicated that the officer died at the police houses in Buruburu.
His death came barely 24 hours after the National Police Service (NPS) issued a statement noting it had taken note of the video and promised appropriate disciplinary action would be taken.
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In a statement on Wednesday, July 6, the National Police Service described the behaviour as “unbecoming, unacceptable and unprofessional”.
"A uniformed police officer is a visible representation and face of government and is required to remain extremely disciplined and professional while on duty and off duty.
"The Buruburu Police command has taken corrective measures for the situation, and the matter is being handled internally. As NPS, we hold our officers accountable with regard to matters of discipline, decorum, and conduct to ensure efficient and effective service provision to the public," the statement read in part.
This comes amid a series of campaigns by the government on the need to address the growing concerns about mental health within the police service.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i noted that the government would pour in more resources to deal with the menacing issue.
In April, Inspector General of Police Hillary Mutyambai revealed that the situation was dire and disclosed that 2,000 police officers were mentally unfit to serve, adding to the growing concerns about rising cases of suicide and depression among law enforcers.
The IG stated that the cases were discovered after a thorough medical examination conducted on all police officers across the country.
“We have subjected all the officers [to medical examination], and to our surprise, we got a big number [of mentally-disturbed police officers]. We isolated almost 2,000 police officers who are unfit to do their law enforcement work," he explained.
He further noted that the officers would undergo counselling before they resumed official duties.
"The Police Service has now started the process of managing some of them. To remove someone from work [because of medical grounds] is not easy. The government has its processes."
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199 for support.
