Residents of Kawarwai village in Homa Bay County are still reeling from shock. A police officer, Constable David Okebe Goga, took the lives of three children before killing himself on Sunday, April 6.
He had travelled from his workstation in Marsabit to visit home. What started as a normal family weekend turned tragic.
The officer reportedly poisoned the children. They included his two kids, aged six and five, and a five-year-old nephew. Afterward, he hanged himself in his house.
Police found a suicide note. It contained burial instructions for him and the children. Authorities are now verifying the handwriting and trying to understand the motive.
Neighbours say the tragedy stunned the community. A heavy cloud of grief hangs over the village.
Mental health struggles among police officers are becoming more visible. Stress, long hours, and lack of support weigh heavily on many.
The National Police Service recently launched a mental health unit. It provides counselling and outreach programs. However, cases like Goga’s show that more needs to be done urgently.
The bodies were taken to the mortuary for postmortem. Investigations are ongoing. But the question remains: How many more officers are suffering in silence?
This tragedy calls for urgent action, not just reports and statements. Police officers are human, too. They need help before it’s too late.