A tragic incident unfolded at Bondo Police Station in Siaya County, as a police constable shot and injured his wife before taking his own life.

According to authorities, the officer, identified as Michael Kyalo, had reported to work as usual on Friday, July 7, where he was issued a rifle. However, instead of proceeding to his designated post, Kyalo headed to his residence, where the incident occurred on Saturday morning.

Kyalo's wife sustained a gunshot wound to the buttocks and is currently receiving medical treatment at Bondo Sub-County Hospital. The body of the deceased officer has been moved to the same facility's morgue.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident, attributing the shooting to work-related stress. Cases of murder and suicide have been on the rise, with societal stress often cited as a contributing factor.

The alarming rate of suicide in the country is concerning, with up to three cases reported daily. Authorities attribute the increase to mental distress, and in recent years, there has been a concerted effort to address this issue.

According to police reports, there were 499 suicide cases in 2019, which rose to 575 in 2020. Between January and July 2021 alone, 313 people have reportedly taken their own lives, with a majority of the victims being male.

Various factors contribute to suicide cases, including joblessness, relationship breakdowns, academic failures or pressures, legal difficulties, financial struggles, bullying, substance abuse, and mental health conditions such as depression and bipolar disorder.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that nearly 800,000 people die by suicide each year, with approximately 78 percent of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Addressing the underlying causes of suicide and providing support to those in need are crucial in tackling this pressing issue.