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 Police station in another case of police suicide.
According to reports, the officer was on duty when the incident happened but no one knows the sole reason behind his attempt yet.
However, his colleagues rushed to his aid and ferried him to Murang’a Level 5 Hospital for emergency treatment and admission.
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Doctors attending to him at the hospital stated that the bullet was lodged in the officer’s head, and he needed surgery to remove it as they try to save the officer’s life.
This incident adds to numerous police suicides that have been reported onthe recent past with others leaving suicide notes and others just using their weapons to take themselves out without explanation.
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 that was used in the act.
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.
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Main reasons that have so far been the major reasons for the rising police suicides have been claimed that officers are under lot of stress from work, while others were frustrated with delayed salaries.
Another reason that most officers who attempted or committed suicide recorded infidelity in their relationships. In 2023, about three officers died by suicide after learning their spouses were unfaithful.
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.