A police officer assigned to a Member of Parliament has tragically passed away after reportedly shooting himself in the head at his home in Embakasi, Nairobi.
Constable Austin Owiti Oyuech Shariff, a member of the Administration Police’s close protection unit, is said to have ended his life on Thursday morning. The underlying reasons for this incident remain unclear, and authorities have commenced an investigation.
Shariff, 43, had previously served as a bodyguard for various government officials and was currently responsible for the safety of Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje. Although those who knew him indicated that he displayed no signs of distress, he allegedly took his own life.
MP Mwenje confirmed his awareness of the tragedy and emphasized that an investigation is underway to uncover further details. “It’s unfortunate that this occurred, and we are looking into it,” Mwenje stated.
On the day prior, Shariff was reportedly enjoying time with friends in the neighborhood, where they had drinks before returning home. He was said to have acted normally upon waking up before the tragic incident. The police have since collected his body, which will undergo an autopsy and other formalities.
In accordance with his Muslim faith, Shariff’s funeral is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 20, at his family home in Seme, Kisumu County. This incident adds to a concerning pattern within the police force, where several officers have succumbed to suicide, often linked to job-related stress.
In response to this alarming trend, police authorities have initiated counseling services, and the National Police Service Commission has established a dedicated unit to address mental health and substance abuse issues. This counseling unit aims to design and implement outreach programs focused on prevention.
Frighteningly, there are at least three reported suicide cases involving police officers each month. Officials point out that law enforcement personnel bear the brunt of various community challenges, expected to uphold law and order in particularly stressful situations while continually risking their lives. Over the years, a growing number of fatalities within the force has been attributed to psychological trauma, which includes suicides.
