Cop dies by suicide in his house in Forolle, Marsabit

A junior police officer died by suicide at his house in the Forolle Police Lines, Marsabit County.

Officials said Constable Joseph Komolomoi was found dead in his house after he had apparently used his AK-47 rifle to shoot himself on the morning of February 17, 2026.

He was alone in the house when the incident occurred. His colleagues said they heard a gunshot from the house and went to check the source, establishing that it was locked from the inside.

They broke into the house and found his body lying in a pool of blood with a gunshot wound to the head.

The team said they found a suicide note explaining the motive for the incident. Details were not made public, as police said it would be subjected to forensic examination to determine its authenticity.

The body was moved to the mortuary pending a post-mortem and other procedures.

His family was informed of the tragedy amid plans to move the body to his rural home for burial arrangements.

The incident is the latest in a series that have rocked the National Police Service amid efforts to contain the trend.

Dozens of police officers have died by suicide in a worrying pattern. Police said the trend could be linked to rising trauma within the service.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the service. Authorities say officers are exposed to many forms of trauma that lead some to take their own lives.

As part of efforts to address the trend, police authorities have launched counselling services, and the National Police Service Commission has established and staffed a unit to attend to officers’ demanding situations.

The counselling unit, among other things, evaluates, designs, and leads outreach programmes aimed at preventing mental health challenges and substance abuse.

Officials say police are generally on the receiving end of community problems. They are expected to maintain law and order in very difficult situations, while also putting their lives at risk.

Over the years, a spike in deaths within the service has been linked to trauma. The World Health Organization says such cases are also attributed to joblessness, bereavement, academic failure or pressure, legal difficulties, and financial problems.

Other factors include bullying, previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, alcoholism and substance misuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The government says efforts are being made to address the menace.