Police in Mombasa are investigating circumstances under which a police officer attached to Chaani Police Station committed suicide in his house.
The officer left a note addressed to his four children. In the three-page suicide letter, the officer details a litany of debts he owed several people, with the family saying this could be the reason why he took his life.
The body of Police Constable Rophus Mwandoe was found in his house in Jomvu. A police officer who has worked for 26 years, a day before committing suicide he was with his close family members and had asked two of his colleagues to stand in for him on Tuesday and Wednesday. This has left the family in shock.
Beatrice Ngwai, his widow, said: “Ni mtu mpole sana hata huwezi kudhania anaweza kufanya mambo kama haya.”
His brother William Mwandoe said: “Yeye ndio alikuwa tegemeo na tumeachwa tunashangaa itakuwaje.”
Mwandoe’s admitted that his character had changed over the last two months.
“Kwa muda wa miezi miwili alipunguza kutuma pesa na tukawa na wasiwasi kuna nini,” said Beatrice.
According to psychiatrist Dr. Mwinga Chokwe, there has been an increase of mental health issues not only among police officers but Kenyans in general.
“Hali ya maisha imepanda mahitaji na mazingira pia unaweza pata kuna kitu kimekuwa kikimsumbua kwa muda na ikampa msukumo wa kujitoa uhai,” said Dr. Chokwe.
As police officers continue with investigation to unravel circumstances that led to his death, Dr. Mwinga is urging the government to better the remuneration of police officers saying the harsh economic times are a challenge to many.
Dr. Chokwe added: “Wanaume wengi wanapenda kulia ndani ya moyo ukilinganisha na wanawake they share their issues na hiyo ndio inawaumiza pia wanaume.”
The officer also left a note addressed to Chaani OCS Kipkurui Bor wishing him well and thanking him for his support at work.
