- The teacher, identified as Dennis Mwaniki Njeru, alias Mukono, took his own life on the night of February 5, 2024 at his house in Siakago town, Mbeere North sub-county.
A high school teacher in Embu County has shocked the nation after committing suicide over a failed relationship and leaving behind a bizarre suicide note.
The teacher, identified as Dennis Mwaniki Njeru, alias Mukono, took his own life on the night of February 5, 2024 at his house in Siakago town, Mbeere North sub-county.
According to the police, the 32-year-old teacher locked himself in his house and consumed a poisonous substance believed to be an insecticide. His body was found on his bed on Tuesday morning, with blood and white foam oozing from his nose.
Also recovered were land title deeds and stamps from his house, which they suspect he was using to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.
However, what has stunned many is the suicide note that the teacher left behind, in which he blamed his ex-girlfriend for his death and made some strange requests for his burial.
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In the note, the teacher said that he was heartbroken after his girlfriend left him for another man and that he had tried to talk to 17 people to help him cope with the situation, but none offered him a solution.
The teacher also said he wanted to be buried on Valentine’s Day, February 14, at Kavengero in Kanyuambora instead of Siakago, where he had built a house.
He also asked the Speaker of Embu County Assembly, Josiah Thiriku, and the Nthawa Ward MCA, Sammy Tito, to organize his funeral and ensure his ex-girlfriend reads his eulogy. He also instructed his family to find out if he had any children and allocate them a share of his property.
The police have launched investigations into the matter and are expected to interrogate the ex-girlfriend and the 17 people mentioned in the note.
The teacher’s death raises concerns about the mental health of teachers and other professionals who may be facing personal or work-related challenges.
Counsellors, medics, and psychologists have advised people to seek help whenever they experience any signs of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
Dr Catherine Mutisya, a consultant psychiatrist and the chairperson of the Kenya Psychiatric Association, says that suicide is a preventable tragedy that can be avoided if people are given the right help and care: a complex interaction of biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors.
According to her, people who are suicidal usually suffer from mental disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse.
“Suicide is not a sign of weakness or cowardice, but a cry for help from someone who is in pain and feels hopeless. We need to create a culture of empathy and compassion, where people can talk openly about their problems and seek professional help without fear of stigma or discrimination," she said.
She also stressed the need for facilities and resources for mental health.
"We also need to have more mental health services and resources, especially in rural areas, where access is limited, and awareness is low,” she said.
Dr Mutisya also called for the decriminalization of suicide in Kenya, saying that the current law that punishes attempted suicide with imprisonment or a fine is outdated and counterproductive.
Criminalizing suicide only adds to the suffering and isolation of the survivors and discourages them from seeking help.
She said that the law should protect them and ensure they receive appropriate treatment and follow-up instead of punishing them.
“Suicide is a public health issue, not a criminal one. We need to change the law and the attitude towards suicide in Kenya, and adopt a more humane and evidence-based approach. We need to recognize that people who attempt suicide are not criminals, but victims of a mental health crisis that needs urgent intervention and support,” she added.
