Authorities in Nairobi are currently investigating a tragic incident that occurred in the Sunvalley estate of Lang’ata, where a local businessman took his own life inside his vehicle.
The deceased, identified as Abraham Meli, was discovered locked inside his Prado SUV, having sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the head.
While the motive behind Meli’s actions remains unclear, initial reports confirm that he was a former military personnel and possessed a valid firearm license, according to both his family and law enforcement officials.
Upon discovery, Meli was promptly transported to St Mary’s Hospital, where medical professionals pronounced him deceased upon arrival. The handgun used in the incident was recovered from the scene and secured by authorities.
Notably, prior to the tragic event, Meli had sent a cryptic text message to a relative containing only the word “Sunvalley,” indicating his location at the time.
Law enforcement agencies have initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Meli’s death, aiming to ascertain the underlying motives. Family members and acquaintances are grappling to comprehend the factors that may have led to his decision.
The body of the deceased has been transferred to the mortuary, pending an official autopsy. Authorities have officially classified the incident as a suicide.
This incident underscores a concerning trend of suicide cases in the region. Just recently, another individual, described as a businessman, tragically ended his life at Matter Hospital by self-inflicted gunshot, while awaiting medical attention at the emergency section. Like Meli, the individual was also a licensed firearm holder.
Law enforcement officials have highlighted a worrying surge in suicide cases, with statistics indicating a steady increase over recent years. In 2020 alone, there were 174 reported cases, compared to 196 in 2019, 302 in 2018, 421 in 2017, and 302 in 2016. Alarmingly, the majority of victims are male, as per police reports.
