Why Kitengela Man Set Himself on Fire Inside Bungalow

A middle-aged man took his own life by locking himself in his house before setting it on fire in Chuna Estate in Kitengela.

The man, who is well known in the neighborhood, is reported to have been pushed to the edge after a disagreement with his wife.

The father of two released cooking gas inside his bungalow and lit a matchbox to start the fire that killed him and partially burnt his house on Wednesday, March 27. 

Preliminary investigations revealed that the man sent away the house maid before locking himself in the room. His wife and children were also not present when the incident occurred.

Also Read: Two Brothers Commit Suicide Over Father’s Decision to Remarry

Police at Scene in Kitengela 

According to police officers at the scene, the man was burnt beyond recognition. 

Isinya Sub-County Commander Patrick Manyasi reported that investigations into the matter had been launched to determine the motive of the deceased.

Also, he explained that the neighbors saw a huge smoke coming from the house when they rushed to see what was happening upon which the revelation left them in shock.

Later, the Kitengela Fire Service responded to the scene to put out the fire that was spreading rapidly. 

Additionally, the officer at the scene indicated that the remains of the man were taken to Kitengela mortuary.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that it was a suicide fire, and we are conducting further investigations,” Manyasi stated.

Also Read: Teacher Throws Self In front of Moving Vehicle Over Unpaid Loans

Recent Cases of Men Committing Suicide

Several cases of men committing suicide have been reported in the recent past including a case where two brothers hanged themselves on the same tree in Narok County. 

The March 22 incident left residents in shock after the two brothers Gilbert Kibet and Vincent Kipkorir committed suicide when their father decided to reconcile with his first wife, whom he had divorced years ago.

“Today at 1430hrs it was reported at Kapsilibwa Village Choronk area in Sagamian Location that two sons of Mzee David Towett namely Vincent Kipkorir Koech aged 19 years and Gilbert Kibet Koech aged 17 years had committed suicide by hanging themselves on a tree along Amalo River,” a police report read in part.

On the same day, the Director of Studies (DOS) and teacher at Chwele Girls High School in Bungoma County committed suicide by jumping in front of an oncoming vehicle.

According to an inside source who spoke to The Kenya Times, the teacher had debts owed to multiple lending institutions which he could not repay. 

Furthermore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has 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.