Tragedy in Kilimani as Man Fatally Jumps from 15th Floor

Unidentified man has died by suicide after jumping off the 15th floor of a residential building in the prestigious Kilimani area in Nairobi.

The unfortunate incident that was captured by the buildings’ CCTV system, shows the man, who was alone for about ten minutes before the act hesitate thrice before taking the jump. According to police reports, the incident happened on Saturday, February 18 evening.

The incident took place at the Dennis Garden Apartment, located along the Denis Pritt Road in Kilimani. The police are investigating the matter as no suicide note was found at the scene. His mobile phone was, however, recovered from his pocket and has been taken for analysis. The body was moved to the mortuary pending identification and autopsy.

The incident has occurred amidst concern over the rise of suicide cases in Kenya. As of the 4th of January 2022, Kenya’s average crude national suicide death rate was estimated at 6.1 per 100,000 populations with a male to female ratio of 3:1

According to the Standard Extract Report, an estimated 311 people kill themselves each year, recording seventy-seven women and 240 men. The reports also indicate that Central Kenya is leading in suicide deaths with at least five deaths recorded daily.

Suicide in Kenya is criminalized under Section 36 of the Penal Code, attempted suicide as laid out by Section 226 of the Penal Code is a misdemeanour punishable by two years’ imprisonment or a fine or both.  This according to the Global Press Journal, makes things worse for the mentally ill because instead of seeking help, many go into hiding, fearing arrests.

According to Michael Njenga, chief executive officer of Users and Survivors of Psychiatry-Kenya, the law increases the levels of stigma, isolation, and discrimination for not just survivors of suicide attempts but their families as well. According to Njenga, criminalizing suicide the law makes it clear to the public that someone who attempts suicide is a criminal.

According to Dr. Simon Njuguna, acting head of the Mental Health Care Unit at the Ministry of Health, repealing the law was taken on Sept. 10, 2016 — World Suicide Prevention Day — when representatives of the Ministry of Health appeared at Mathari Mental Hospital in Nairobi to raise awareness about the negative consequences of the law and how it affects society, the media and the State Law Office, the department that upholds the nation’s rules.

Dr. Njuguna suggests a change to the law that would allow police to help families take relatives who attempt suicide to the hospital without fear of arrest, so they can facilitate rather than hinder access to treatment.

Also Read: Grief in Nyamira as Teacher Kills Self

Why people die by suicide is a common question. below is a list of probable causes, as outlined by Chiromo Hospital group:

1)Mental disorders and substance abuse– Mental disorders such as depression and schizophrenia may influence suicide. Substance abuse impairs judgement and can increase the severity of mental disorders, making one more susceptible.

2)Family factors-history of mental illness among immediate family members may influence suicide. Other issues like divorce, conflicts, poverty may also trigger suicide.

3)Life events-death, rejection, break ups, loss of jobs or being diagnosed with a terminal illness may have a negative impact on a person’s wellbeing, thus triggering suicidal thoughts.

4)Personality traits-poor decision making and problem-solving skills may also be a factor in a person’s personality traits. A difference in this can cause interpersonal conflicts and trigger suicidal ideas.

5)Modelling-this is most common among the young generation, who learn by modelling. When exposed to an inspiring model who has suicidal threats or media with suicidal content, they may be influenced to do the same.

6)Stigma-mental health issues have been stigmatized by society. It makes it difficult for victims to reach out and seek help.

7)Availability of means-availability of lethal means makes it possible to actualize suicidal thoughts.

They also gave some tips to help us to help us cope with the issue:

1Break the stigma, normalize suicide discussions

2)Create awareness on mental health

3)Emphasize on the need to seek help, open up to someone whenever need arises

4)Prioritize taking care of self, self-care

5)Take any suicidal thoughts and scares seriously

6)Check for warning signs

7)Change the media portrayal of suicide

8)Improve mental health treatment for people

9)Encourage interaction and communication within the family setting