On Thursday, April 20, the parents of Rodgers Kipruto, a 28-year-old Kenyan student who reportedly died by suicide while at a university in Finland, asked the government to help bring their son’s body to Kenya.
The young man had complained to his family about difficult living conditions in Finland before reportedly taking his own life in his hostel on April 18.
Kipruto, repeatedly, requested them to send him money for upkeep.
“They (the students) don’t even go a month without asking for money. He was going through a hard time,” noted Kipruto’s mother, Leah Kosgey.
The inconsolable parents noted that they had high expectations for their son.
“When you take a child abroad, you have hope that he will help himself and help the family. Then you hear he will come in a casket. It is painful,” stated Kipruto’s father, Jonathan Kosgey.
Incidentally, Kipruto had written to his brother, Boniface Kosgey, that he had found work as a cleaner at a local mall.
Additionally, he noted that his brother was in high spirits days before he passed on. However, Kipruto also disclosed that he was facing social rejection.
On April 19, Uasin Gishu Governor, Jonathan Bii, sent a message of condolences to the bereaved family, stating that he was shocked by the sad news of Kipruto’s death.
"The passing of Kipruto is a great loss to the family, friends, the Chirchir community, and the nursing profession. I extend my condolences to the family and loved ones," Bii eulogised.
Before going to Finland in October 2022, Kipruto worked as a nurse at different hospitals, including the Nakuru Level Five Hospital.
The deceased earned a scholarship through a programme organized by former Uasin Gishu Governor and current senator, Jackson Mandago.
On March 1, 2023, over 200 students who went to Finland through that programme risked deportation due to unpaid fees. However, the fees were settled on March 5 by current Governor Jonathan Bii.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise always reaching out for help when experiencing mental health issues. Call Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
