Sunday, February 16, 2025
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Teacher Throws Self In front of Moving Vehicle Over Unpaid Loans

The Director of Studies (DOS) and teacher at Chwele Girls High School in Bungoma County has committed suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming vehicle.

The school administration confirmed the incident detailing that the incident occurred at around 9:00 am outside the school gate.

At the same time, the deceased, Cornelius Masika, was also a teacher of mathematics and chemistry. According to an inside source who spoke to The Kenya Times, the teacher had debts owed to multiple lending institutions.

Subsequently, the principal summoned him to his office following the debtors’ request. However, after the meeting with the principal, the teacher left the office and threw himself in front of a speeding matatu. 

Chwele Girls Secondary School is a Girls’ only boarding school, located in Namwela location, Bungoma County, within the Western Region of Kenya. 

Chwele girl's high school Teacher Throws Self Infront of Moving Vehicle Over Unpaid Loans
The entrance of Chwele girls high School. PHOTO/Chwele Girls High School.

Condolence Messages About the Teacher 

Saddened by the news, several teachers online sent their messages of condolences, eulogizing the teacher as a joyful and vibrant colleague. 

Others were in disbelief of the sudden demise of the Director of Studies (DOS) remembering him for his immense help and the impact he had on his students. 

A user with the name ‘Siamba wa Mikuva’ said that the teacher had interviewed his daughter when she was transferred to the institution about a week prior to the incident. 

“Is this true? I was with him like a week ago!! He’s the one that interviewed my daughter when I transferred her to the school,” the user said.


Additionally, Augustine Mwalimu indicated that the teacher was a graduate of the University of Nairobi (UoN) saying that he had graduated from the institution in 2014. 

He also remembered him for his famous classroom saying, ‘Can u deny.’

“UoN class of 2014 is mourning. Cornelius Masika has left us,” Augustine Mwalimu indicated. 

“Condolences to the entire fraternity of Chwele girls and their family,” user Cynthia Bishy added. 

Cornelius Masika was officially employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) in 2020.

Statistics on Suicide Cases in Kenya 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 700,000 people die by suicide every year making it the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29 years.

In addition, WHO ranked suicide among the top ten leading causes of death across all age groups.

In Kenya, at least four people die by suicide each day, with an average of 20 times as many attempting suicide.

However, these figures are likely to be conservative due to the taboo nature of suicide and its legal ramifications, which discourage open discussion.



Earlier on March 5, medical experts from Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital asked the Members of Parliament (MPs) to repeal Section 226 of Kenya’s Penal Code, which imposes criminal liability on individuals who attempt suicide.

The doctors argued that individuals engaging in such acts were often grappling with mental illness and therefore required medical intervention. 

Section 226 of Kenya’s penal code stipulates that any person attempting to take their own life is guilty of a misdemeanor.

In May 2022, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) was put on the spot over the increase in mental health issues among teachers across the country.

At the time, KNUT blamed the spike in suicide cases among teachers on the stagnant teacher’s wages which it noted had not been adjusted despite an increase in the cost of living. 

Additionally, in June 2022, the Kenya Women Teachers Association CEO Benta Opande called for an intentional intervention on the welfare of teachers.

“There is a real problem with teachers mental health. A lot of teachers are depressed, even the heads of institutions are under a lot of pressure,” she said then.

Chwele girl's high school Teacher Throws Self Infront of Moving Vehicle Over Unpaid Loans
Rest in Peace. PHOTO/Courtesy

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Joy Kwama

Mercy Joy Kwama is a News Reporter at The Kenya Times who is dedicated to the art of storytelling and truth-telling and changing narratives. She has covered diverse topics including politics, social justice, environmental issues, climate change, and entertainment. Mercy is particularly driven to amplify the voices of African communities and challenge the prevailing status quo. She is a graduate of Riara University with a degree in Communications and Multimedia Journalism and is well-equipped to navigate the complex landscape of news reporting. In her spare time, Mercy likes to pick up new skills including crocheting, gardening, dance, reading, and music. She can be reached at joy.kwama@thekenyatimes.com

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