Grief as Form Three student dies by suicide in Vihiga

Crime Scene./FILE

A family in Ematioli village, Luanda Sub County, in Vihiga County, is in shock after a Form Three student at Ebulonga Secondary School died by suicide under mysterious circumstances on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The body of the deceased, Edward Opati, was discovered dangling on the rafters of their home on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, by his parents.

Edward Opati, alias Mayor, left his parents in shock, and they are yet to find out the reason that drove their son to take such an extreme decision.

According to the deceased mother, Pamela Opati, her son was well on Monday morning and had not gone to school because he was washing his uniform since he had participated in the football match competition over the weekend.

“After talking to Mayor in the morning, I proceeded to Luanda market to run errands. When I got back, the girl I stay with and I were busy making supper arrangements. When she went to her room, I do not know what made her peep at her brother's room, but she came back to tell me that he is no more,” Opati explained.

Opati said that she did not understand what the girl meant; she went to knock on Mayor's door several times but could not get a response, and that is when she called her husband for help.

She further said that they broke down the door to the mayor's room and found their son dangling from a rope tied to the rafters of the house.

She confirmed that on Monday morning, her son was well and did not show any signs of depression.

Luanda Subcounty Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), Richard Siele, said that they suspect the young man committed suicide after battling depression.

Siele confirmed that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) have taken over the case and have commenced investigation.

The police took Mayor's body to the Coptic mortuary as they continue with investigations.

"I appeal to parents to monitor, listen, and talk to their children to avoid such incidents,” Siele said.