Kasarani man sets himself on fire

A 29-year-old man, Denise Gakuru, died by suicide after lighting himself on fire in Nairobi’s Kasarani neighborhood. His lifeless body was discovered in his house several days after his self-immolation on Monday.

Police say Gakuru soaked a piece of fabric in paraffin and wrapped it around his body before dousing himself with more paraffin and igniting it. Concerned neighbors rushed to his aid, finding him severely burnt. He was taken to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

The motive for Gakuru’s suicide is unclear. His body has been moved to the Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary pending an autopsy.

In another incident, a 51-year-old man, Harrison Theuri, died by suicide by hanging himself in his house in Subukia, Londiani. His body was found hanging on a rope in the rafters of his house. The motive for his suicide is also unknown. His body has been moved to the mortuary pending an autopsy.

Police say cases of suicide have been on the rise in Kenya, with up to two cases reported daily. The majority of the victims are male.

The World Health Organisation says suicide is a serious global public health issue that is among the top 20 leading causes of death worldwide. Kenya ranks position 114 among the 175 countries with the highest suicide rates.