Man found dead in a borehole in Gatanga, Murang’a

Gatunyu residents watch in shock as members of Murang'a County Disaster Management team prepare to recover the body from a borehole/ ALICE WAITHERA

Grief engulfed Gatunyu area in Gatanga sub-county, Murang’a County, on Friday morning following the death of a middle-aged man.

The deceased, William Gitau, was reportedly found dead at a borehole at his uncle’s homestead.

His body was discovered by relatives as they went about their daily chores.

Gitau’s brother, Stephen Ng’ang’a, said the deceased had recently experienced mental health challenges and had complained of feeling unwell.

Ng’ang’a also said Gitau was undergoing treatment for tuberculosis and had found it difficult to follow medical advice, including avoiding alcohol.

“This has really shocked us. My brother has left behind small children under the care of his wife, who is a casual labourer,” Ng’ang’a said.

He urged men to avoid self-destructive habits such as excessive alcohol or drug use and to seek healthier ways to cope with life challenges.

Pastor Kamau Kimachu, a cousin of the deceased, described seeing Gitau near his home earlier that morning.

He said Gitau appeared withdrawn and avoided eye contact.

“I wish he had opened up to me about what was troubling him. I would have encouraged him and given him hope,” Kimachu said.

He also highlighted concerns about rising cases of mental health challenges in the area, recalling two recent incidents.

On Christmas Day, a woman was found wandering in Kagio market in a vulnerable state and required assistance from members of the public.

Two days later, a young man died after reportedly stabbing himself in the Kagio area.

“Let’s create a culture where people can speak out about their difficulties and seek help,” Kimachu urged, adding that high levels of unemployment have left many residents vulnerable to mental health challenges.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the country records an estimated four suicide deaths every day, with an age-standardised suicide rate of about 11 per 100,000 people.

Around 10.3 per cent of the population is estimated to have a common mental disorder, with mental illness accounting for about 13 per cent of the overall disease burden in the country.

Globally, over 720,000 people die by suicide annually, representing one in every 100 deaths. Suicide is also the third leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 29 years.