Lavington woman, 32, leaves chilling final note with unusual burial request
A 32-year-old woman was found dead in her Nairobi apartment following an apparent suicide, leaving behind a note with specific burial requests. The incident has prompted local authorities to issue warnings regarding the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning from charcoal-burning stoves in poorly ventilated spaces.
Why it matters
The case highlights critical public health concerns regarding indoor air quality and the broader social issue of mental health and suicide prevention in Kenya.
A 32-year-old woman whose decomposed body was found in her Valley Arcade apartment had left behind a suicide note detailing her final wishes, police and her family said.
Mercy Wachiga Maina was found dead at Forhome Apartment in Lavington, Nairobi, on Thursday, September 3, several weeks after she was last seen.
Police said Maina had not been seen since August 12. Her body was discovered on a bed on the 10th floor of the apartment after neighbours complained of a strong smell coming from her house.
The door was locked from inside when police arrived. Officers forced it open and found Maina’s decomposed body inside.
A jiko containing burnt charcoal was also found in the room. Scenes of Crime personnel processed the scene before the body was moved to the City Mortuary.
Police said Maina is believed to have died by suicide, with authorities authenticating a note she left behind.
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