A 33-year-old woman, identified as Maureen Wanjiku, has died by suicide in Kimicha-Rurii village, Kanyekiine ward, Kirinyaga County.

According to her mother, Rose Wambui, Maureen was last seen at home before she left to attend a neighbor's burial. Upon returning, she discovered her daughter was missing. After an intense two-hour search, she was devastated to find Maureen had hanged herself from a mango tree.

"I was in shock and couldn’t believe it. I cried out, and soon, relatives and neighbors gathered at the scene," Wambui recounted.

Janet Wanjiku, the deceased’s aunt, revealed that Maureen had previously attempted suicide three times.

"She first tried to drown herself in a river, then attempted to suffocate using a charcoal jiko, and later tried to hang herself but was rescued," Janet shared.

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Residents who arrived at the scene expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of suicide in the region.

Susan Muthoni, a local villager, highlighted the growing mental health crisis, saying, "Life’s pressures can drive people to extreme decisions, but the situation in Kirinyaga is alarming."

The body has been taken to the Kerugoya County Referral Hospital mortuary as locals urge leaders, religious institutions, and mental health professionals to step in and address the crisis.

Kamau Muchira, chairman of counselors in Kirinyaga County, attributed the rising suicide rates to deteriorating mental health caused by economic hardships, lack of empowerment opportunities, and social struggles.

"The breakdown of social and economic support systems, coupled with discrimination, is making more people vulnerable to suicide," Muchira explained.