A 17-year-old Form Four student has died by suicide after reportedly shooting himself with his father’s pistol following a disagreement over a mobile phone in Karairo Village, Kabondo Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County.
The tragic incident occurred in the Mawego area of Karachuonyo Constituency, leaving residents and the local community in shock.
According to police, the teenager was the son of a police officer stationed in Meru County. Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident happened shortly after the student’s mother confiscated a mobile phone she believed was affecting his academic performance.
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Rachuonyo North Sub-County Police Commander Peter Walah said the student waited until his father had gone to take a bath before taking the service pistol and leaving the house unnoticed.
“He waited for his father to go into the bathroom, took the pistol and quietly left the house,” Walah said while addressing journalists at Kendu Bay Police Station.
Police said the student then walked to a nearby polytechnic, climbed over the institution’s perimeter wall and entered the compound, where he fatally shot himself.
Investigators believe the teenager may have been distressed after his mother visited his school and discovered that his academic performance had declined.
In an effort to help him focus on his studies, she confiscated the mobile phone he had been using.
“His mother went to his school and found that her son’s performance was declining. She decided to confiscate the mobile phone as a measure aimed at helping him concentrate on his studies,” Walah explained.
The police commander called on parents and guardians to remain attentive to the emotional well-being of their children, emphasizing the importance of open communication, guidance and counselling in helping young people cope with emotional and psychological challenges.
“Residents need to embrace guidance and counselling. This can help rescue people who are facing problems,” he said.
Police have launched investigations to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, including why the student went to the polytechnic compound before taking his own life.
The body was moved to Rachuonyo South Sub-County Hospital Mortuary in Oyugis pending a post-mortem examination.
If you or someone you know is struggling with overwhelming emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, seeking support from trusted family members, friends, a mental health professional, or a local crisis support service can make a significant difference.