A tragic incident unfolded at the Dabel Police Station in Moyale, Marsabit County, resulting in the death of a senior police officer who took his own life by shooting himself.

The officer, Inspector James Moturi, who served as the deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS), used his pistol to end his life in his residence around 11 pm on July 2.

According to police reports, Moturi was alone at his house when his colleagues heard a gunshot from the vicinity of the station’s report office.

Rushing to the scene, they discovered Moturi with a fatal gunshot wound, believed to have been self-inflicted, with the bullet entering through his chin and exiting through his forehead.

His Ceska pistol, containing 14 bullets, was found beside him in a pool of blood, and no suicide note was recovered from the scene.

Senior police officials visited the scene before Moturi’s body was transferred to the mortuary for further examination.

Initial inquiries indicate no signs of struggle or evident stress prior to the incident, prompting an investigation into the circumstances leading to his tragic death, classified as suicide.

This incident highlights a growing concern within the police force regarding mental health issues and stress-related challenges.

The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has established a dedicated counseling unit to address such concerns, aiming to provide support and preventive measures against mental health issues.

Regrettably, incidents of suicide among police officers have been on the rise, often attributed to the intense pressures and challenges of their profession, including exposure to trauma and difficult working conditions.