Police in Baringo County are investigating a tragic incident that saw a 35-year-old man reportedly die by suicide in Kaberi village, Kabartonjo.

Athony Cheptoo is said to have died after jumping from a cliff into a waterfall at Tirenwo River on Wednesday, December 13.

Confirming the incident, police say that the deceased jumped from a cliff under unclear circumstances.

Cheptoo’s body was retrieved by authorities and taken to Baringo County Referral Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are approximately 4 suicide deaths in Kenya every day, with a crude suicide rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people and  an age-standardized suicide rate of 11.0 per 100,000 people.

Kenya’s Ministry of Health says suicide is among the leading causes of death among young people in many countries, Kenya included, yet the policy and research investment in its prevention has been relatively small.

“The prevention of suicide is complex and, while feasible, no easy task; it requires a coordinated multisectoral response of the health, education, labor and agriculture sectors among others. It also needs the engagement of various partners such as county governments, the private sector, faith- based organizations, civil society and non-governmental organizations,” the Ministry says in its Suicide Prevention Strategy 2021-2026.