Tragedy in Homa Bay: Policeman Kills Three Children, Dies by Suicide
A tragic incident has shaken the residents of Rachuonyo West Sub-county after a police officer allegedly killed three children before taking his own life on Sunday, April 6.
The officer, identified as Constable David Okebe Goga, was attached to the Marsabit Police Station. According to police reports, he was on a brief visit to his home in Kawarwai village, Kakdhimu East Location, when the heartbreaking event unfolded.
Authorities say the children included his two biological children—a six-year-old boy and a five-year-old girl—and a five-year-old boy believed to be his in-law’s child. Preliminary investigations suggest the officer poisoned the children before hanging himself in his house.
A suicide note was recovered at the scene, reportedly detailing burial instructions for himself and the children. Police are currently analyzing the note to confirm its authenticity and origin.
The motive behind the tragedy remains unclear, with detectives launching a thorough investigation into the incident. Residents gathered in shock and mourning as news of the incident spread throughout the community.
The bodies were moved to the local mortuary, where post-mortem examinations are expected to be conducted as part of ongoing investigations.
This incident adds to the growing number of suicides involving police officers in Kenya. According to police sources, at least three such cases are recorded every month. The National Police Service has attributed the worrying trend to high stress levels, mental health challenges, and demanding work environments.
In response, authorities have established counselling services and mental wellness units within the police force. The National Police Service Commission has also launched a specialized counselling unit tasked with designing outreach programs to prevent mental health and substance abuse issues among officers.
Police officers are often exposed to high-risk situations and expected to maintain law and order under extreme pressure, making them vulnerable to mental strain.
The Nairobian continues to follow this developing story as the police and community grapple with the aftermath of this unimaginable loss.
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Tragedy in Homa Bay: Policeman Kills Three Children, Dies by Suicide