A police officer attached to Kangema Police Station in Murang'a County is fighting for his life after shooting himself in the mouth at the station.
Reportedly, the officer was on duty when the incident happened. However, his colleagues rushed to his aid and ferried him to Murang'a Level 5 Hospital for emergency treatment and admission.
Doctors stated that the bullet was lodged in the officer's head, and he thus needed surgery to remove it.
They also hastened to stabilise his condition before he passed on from excessive bleeding.
This latest case of attempted suicide adds to the increasing number of law enforcement officers seeking to end their lives using guns while at work.
Last week, an officer from Timau Police Station in Meru County shot himself at his house and left a suicide note for his lover. Following the incident, an AK 47 rifle was recovered, and his body was taken to the morgue pending an autopsy.
Data from the National Police Service (NPS) reveal that at least 12,000 officers are dealing with mental health issues mainly due to their line of work and demanding work environment.
Reports further indicated that police officers and other security personnel were under a lot of stress from work, while others were frustrated with delayed salaries.
Another reason prompting officers to attempt suicide was infidelity in their relationships. In 2023, about three officers died by suicide after learning their spouses were unfaithful.
In January 2023, Pastor Dorcas Rigathi partnered with the National Police Service (NPS) to help police officers struggling with mental health undergo rehabilitation.
Public Service Principal Secretary Amos Gathecha added that the number of depressed officers in need of counselling had risen from 5,000 to 13,000 between 2022 and 2023.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists recommend seeking help whenever you experience any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
