In a heart-wrenching tragedy, a 22-year-old student Basil Nyaga Mbugua from Strathmore University met a tragic end after leaping from the fifth floor of Gateway Mall in Syokimau, Machakos County.

The young student’s life came to a sudden and devastating halt when he chose to jump from the rooftop to the ground floor.

The mall’s management was left in shock and disbelief as they recounted the harrowing incident that unfolded on a fateful Tuesday afternoon.

The impact was fatal, and the student’s life was tragically extinguished on the spot.

Witnesses, overcome with shock, swiftly reported the matter to the Syokimau Police Station, prompting officers to rush to the scene.

With heavy hearts, they moved the lifeless body to Montezuma Funeral Home, where it now awaits investigations into the events that led to this puzzling and heartrending loss.

ALSO READ: Form 3 girl dies by suicide, leaves note citing “harassment by prefect”

At the time of this report, the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident remained shrouded in mystery, as police sources were yet to provide any answers.

This heart-wrenching occurrence is a stark reminder of the alarming trend of university students taking their own lives, a deeply concerning issue that has raised red flags among mental health experts.

This mental health crisis extends beyond the confines of the student community, affecting individuals from all walks of life.

Just last week, another student, this time from Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), met a similarly tragic fate when he jumped from an incomplete five-story building within the institution.

ALSO READ: University graduate tries to take own life over withheld marks

His absence from morning classes raised concern among friends, who later made the devastating discovery of his lifeless body near the uncompleted structure.

These distressing incidents shed light on the prevalence of mental health challenges, with statistics from the Kenya Demographic Health Survey 2022 revealing alarming rates of depression, particularly among young men and women aged 15-49.

Factors such as poverty, unemployment, the loss of loved ones, substance abuse, and relationship issues are identified as leading contributors to this crisis.

In the face of these profound challenges, counselors, medical professionals, and psychologists emphasize the importance of seeking help and support when grappling with mental health issues.

The message is clear: you are never alone, and there are caring professionals ready to provide the assistance and guidance needed to navigate these turbulent waters.