A police officer stationed in Kerugoya tragically took his own life on Thursday, leaving a poignant note to his lover before ending his life.
According to a police report documented under OB 42/27/9/2023, Officer Allan Kihumba Njuguna was discovered lifeless, having hanged himself with a manila rope from the roof of his rented residence.
In a heartbreaking twist, Officer Njuguna left behind a heartfelt note in his notebook, which read, "In brief, if anything happens, I want you to know that I loved you deeply."
The police report further revealed that Officer Njuguna had locked the door from the inside, making it clear that he had chosen to take this tragic step. Additionally, an examination of his phone's search history indicated that he had searched online for information on how to commit suicide before carrying out the act.
The officer's mobile phone was duly processed and documented by the security operations center (SOC) at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kirinyaga.
Subsequently, Officer Njuguna's body was respectfully moved to Kerugoya County Referral Hospital Mortuary, while the case remains under investigation at the DCI Kirinyaga Central Police Station.
This heartbreaking incident underscores the significant challenges faced by law enforcement officers who operate in high-stress and demanding environments, which can take a devastating toll on their mental health.
Recent data from the National Police Service Commission (NPSC) reveals that one in ten police officers grapples with mental health issues, indicating that approximately 12,000 officers are confronted with mental health challenges arising from work-related stressors.
These challenges are compounded by family-related difficulties and the soaring cost of living, adding to the burdens carried by these dedicated officers.
In response to these pressing concerns, Deputy Inspector General of Police Noor Gabow has initiated training for senior police officers aimed at equipping them with the skills to support their subordinates in the workplace.
Moreover, the police service has established communication channels to promptly identify and address stress-related issues among its personnel.
Gabow emphasized the importance of addressing mental health-related cases promptly, highlighting the urgency of providing support and resources to officers facing mental health challenges in the line of duty.