Residents in Sugutek village, Chemalal sublocation, Bomet County, are mourning the death of a 72-year-old man who committed suicide.

Officers from the Kimulot police station who responded to the incident scene identified the man as Rasto Cheruiyot Sirma.

PHOTO | COURTESY 72 year old man commits suicide by hanging

Residents said Rasto's body was discovered hanging by the neck from a cypress tree at his homestead.

Samuel Kirui, the area chief, acknowledged the occurrence, characterizing it as very regrettable.

“This is shocking. I am urging families to share problems they face in life rather than resorting to death by suicide,” said Chief Kirui.

PHOTO | COURTESY 72 year old man commits suicide by hanging

The deceased's body is currently at the Kapkatet Sub-County Hospital for a postmortem.

Residents report that the neighborhood has seen an increase in suicide deaths.

Residents have been advised to look for signs of worry among family and other community members and offer assistance if possible.