Residents of a village in Olkalou, Nyandarua County, rescued three minors from a man who later died by suicide after setting his car on fire in a tragic incident on Sunday morning, police have confirmed.
The man, identified as John Chege, aged 41, allegedly threatened to take his own life together with his three children, aged 14, 12 and 10, before the incident unfolded.
Children Saved as Man Turned Violent
According to police and eyewitnesses, Chege placed the children inside his Toyota Probox and threatened to burn the vehicle. Alarmed villagers rushed to the scene and managed to rescue the children, despite Chege allegedly confronting them while armed with a panga and a crowbar.
During the standoff, one man sustained head injuries after being struck by Chege as residents attempted to intervene.
After the children were removed from the vehicle, Chege reportedly returned to the car, which was already ablaze, where he later died inside the vehicle, police said.
Body Taken to Mortuary
Officers arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and removed the body from the wreckage. It was taken to a mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
The motive behind the incident remains unknown, and investigations are ongoing.
Children Reunited With Mother
The three children were safely reunited with their mother, and authorities say they are under protection as investigations continue.
Rising Suicide Cases Raise Concern
Police noted that suicide cases have been on the rise across the country, prompting renewed calls for mental health awareness and early intervention.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), factors contributing to suicide include joblessness, financial difficulties, academic pressure, legal challenges, bereavement, and emotional distress.
Authorities have urged Kenyans experiencing mental health challenges to seek help through available counselling services, community support systems, and healthcare facilities.
