Worry over rising suicide cases as two men die in Kirinyaga

In the first case, a 30-year-old boda boda operator from Kiamutugu, Gichugu, was found dead after hanging himself from an avocado tree. Residents described the man, identified as Richard Karani, as humble, hardworking, and well-known in both Kiamutugu and Ngariama shopping centres.

“I can’t believe Ricky is gone. We were together just yesterday. He was one of the most popular and kind-hearted people around here,” said Eliud Muriithi, a resident who was among the first to arrive at the scene.

In the second incident, another man from Mutithi village in Mwea West Sub-county was found dead after reportedly hanging himself. The deceased, a university graduate, is said to have taken his own life for reasons that remain unclear. Shocked residents watched as the body was moved to the mortuary.

According to Kamau Muchira, the chairman of the Kirinyaga County Counselling and Psychological Association, men are at a higher risk of suicide than women due to societal expectations and a reluctance to seek help.

“Men’s distress often goes unrecognized and untreated because they rarely open up about their feelings with friends or family,” said Mr. Muchira. “Many face immense pressure from issues such as job loss, relationship breakdowns, or financial struggles. We encourage men to speak out and seek support before it’s too late.”