Police in Maango, Tana River County are investigating the sudden death of an 11-year-old boy who took his own life.
According to the family members who spoke to the media on Tuesday, March 12, the deceased argued with his grandmother on the day of the incident. His grandmother was concerned that the child was used to returning home late.
"The grandmother only critised him for being outside very late which is dangerous. She was also worried that the boy could join bad crowds and get involved in criminal activities," Ramadan Babisani, an elder from the community told journalists.
After a slight confrontation, the deceased went into the house and his body would be later found dangling from the ceiling.
One of the neighbours noted that the incident came as a shock to them since the deceased was a quiet and religious boy. The neighbour further revealed that the deceased rarely had arguments with the grandmother.
Police revealed that he did not leave a note behind but investigations were ongoing. His body was taken to the morgue as the family awaits autopsy results.
"We are following up to know when he quit school and whether he had similar behaviour while in school. We will investigate what caused the boy to hang himself," Ephraim Karani, Chief of Police in Bangale stated.
Cases of school-going children taking their lives have been on the rise across the country with about 10 cases reported in 2023.
A 14-year-old from Embu County took his life in March 2023 after he was sent home for school fees. The class eight pupil was found danging from the roof moments before his mother was about to escort him to school.
Another 14-year-old died by suicide in Kirinyaga County in January 2023 after sitting for his national exams. The reason for the drastic measure was yet to be established.
Also in the county, a grade four and 10-year-old pupil committed suicide by hanging himself. The boy was said to have been digging a ditch earlier before he took his life.
These cases mirror the alarming rate of suicide across the country not only involving children but persons of all ages. Parents have been urged to get involved in their children's lives to walk them through difficult times.
Additionally, the government has been urged to put more measures that encourage counselling for people with suicidal thoughts. Also, the government has been asked to decriminalise suicide to remove the stigma surrounding the subject.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists advise that you can always reach out for help when experiencing any mental health issue. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline, 1199, for support.
