Tragedy as KWS officer allegedly dies by suicide at headquarters in Nairobi
A Kenya Wildlife Service officer died by suicide at the agency's headquarters in Nairobi on Saturday. Police are investigating the incident, which has sparked broader discussions regarding the mental health and trauma faced by members of disciplined services.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the critical issue of mental health support and suicide prevention within high-stress security and law enforcement professions.
A Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer allegedly died by suicide at the agency’s headquarters in Lang’ata, Nairobi, on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Corporal Richard Ndegwa Gichia, 39, and was attached to KWS headquarters.
According to police, the incident was reported at about 3 pm.
Police officers visited the scene and found the officer’s body inside a washroom within Ndovu Court, seated on a toilet bowl while holding an AK-103 rifle in his left hand.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Corporal Gichia had been on duty as an unarmed guard commander before he proceeded to the armoury, where he is alleged to have collected an AK-103 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition.
He is said to have walked through the reception area into the washroom, where he allegedly fatally shot himself.
Police said the bullet entered through the mouth and exited through the skull.
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