Kericho County police are investigating the suspected suicide of a 49-year-old officer whose body was found hanging at Sossiot Police Station in Belgut.

The officer, identified as Constable Paul Wagathari, was discovered dead in the station’s radio room on Sunday March 16, 2025 in the morning. His colleagues reported that he had recently been transferred to the station and had only served there for a few weeks.

According to police reports, Wagathari arrived at the station on Sunday morning, claiming that unknown individuals were chasing him from his house within the police lines.

He then spent time in the radio room alongside two officers on duty. However, when the officers stepped out to hoist the national flag, they returned minutes later to find his lifeless body hanging from a window grill with a shoelace tied around his neck.

Authorities say the motive behind the incident remains unclear. His body was later moved to the local mortuary for an autopsy as investigations continue.

Wagathari’s death is the latest in a worrying trend of suicides among police officers in Kenya. The rise in such cases has been linked to work-related stress, mental health struggles and difficult working conditions.

In recent years, dozens of officers have died by suicide or have been involved in violent incidents, prompting calls for improved mental health support within the police service.

Meanwhile, police leadership continues to make structural changes within the force. Recently, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja promoted Jesca from the rank of police constable to corporal in an effort to recognize and motivate officers.

As investigations into Wagathari’s death progress, authorities urge officers facing personal or professional struggles to seek counseling and support services available within the force.