Essy Wanjiku shares her journey through depression and a near suicide attempt
Kikuyu gospel singer Essy Wanjiku, also known as Tata Essy, has courageously shared her journey through depression and a near-suicide attempt, highlighting the silent struggles many face
In a candid interview with Oga Obinna on Monday night, June 2, 2025, the talented gospel singer revealed how her two failed marriages contributed to her depression.
Genesis of depression
During the interview, Essy revealed that in 2007, she got married to a man who frequently abandoned her and their two children, leading to significant hardships and stress. She endured these challenges until 2015, when they separated.
“Mimi nilikuwa nimeolewa 2007, huyo mzee alikuwa amenioa; tuliteseka na yeye sana, na nilikuwa nimebarikiwa na watoto wawili. Sasa, yeye, tukiteseka sana, alikuwa anatoroka, anatuacha na watoto so akitoroka, anatuwacha kwa shida. Nilikuwa na stress mingi zinanisumbua,“she narrated.
“Niligongwa na stress hadi around 2015 ndio tuliwachana na huyo mzee.”
She went on to narrate that after separating from her first husband in 2015, she began dating another man. They started living together in June 2017 and were blessed with a child in 2020.
Their marriage began to face challenges when her husband, who worked in the military, was deceived by someone who promised him a job with the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
She explained that the person convinced him to pay a substantial amount of money, claiming it was necessary for the recruitment process. To raise the funds, they sold household items. However, once he realised they had been conned and the situation was deteriorating, he fled, leaving her with significant debts.
“Wakati tuliwachana na huyo mzee mzee,kuja nikaanza kudate jamaa mwengmwengine,ukaanza kuishi na yeye around 2017 mwezimwezi watsita nabarikiwa na mtoto 2020,”she added.
“Aliconiwa, vile alitakakupita njia ya kando ndio apate kazi ya intelligence, unaona vile unadanganywa hati hapa upatiile pesa unaitaji alianza kupangiwa ati atapelekwa kwa intelligence service ttukaconiwa pesa mingi sana tukaanza kuuza vitu za nyumba, wakati aliona kumeharibika sana, yeye akahepa akaniwacha na madeni.”
Suicide attempt
The mother of three further disclosed that in 2021, after her partner left her, she returned to her small house in Githurai with their children, adding that she fell into a depression for the second time.
Pointing out how the initial depression had not affected her deeply, but the second wave had overwhelmed her, she recounted contemplating suicide by heading to a dam in Githurai, feeling that death was the only escape from her suffering. She believed it would be better to end her life than to witness her children continue to suffer.
“2021, wakati tulijua tumeconiwa, yeye alienda akaniwacha nikarudi kwa nyumba ndogo Githurai, tukaanza kuishi na watoto. Ile depression ya kwanza haikunigonga vizuri; hii ya pili nilikaa hivi nikaona heri nikajiue, nikaenda Githurai kwa dam, nikaona nikweli, mimi nafa, nisiishi tena nikufe,”she disclosed.
“Mateso ilinikalia nikasema mimi heri nijimalize kuliko kuona watoto wangu wakiteseka.”
She recounted that after leaving her children with another woman to prepare their meals, she left a note at home indicating her intentions. This note prompted a search for her, and local motorcycle riders (boda boda) were mobilised to find her. Eventually, she was located by police officers dispatched from the District Officer’s (D.O.) office.
At that time, she had locked herself inside her house. When questioned about her plans, the officers advised her to consider relocating to a smaller residence. They even contributed Ksh2,000 to help her start a new life.
“Niliwacha watoto na mama mwengine akiwapikia; niliwaambia nafika na hapa, na niliwacha kama nimeandika barua. Sasa hiyo barua kwa nyumba ndio walitumia kunifwata na watu wa pikipiki,”she added.
“Mimi hapo nilitotewa na maskari kutoka kwa D.O, na sahiyo nilikuwa nimefungiwa hadi nyumba, nikawauliza wananirudisha huko nikafanye nini, wakaniambia tafunya nyumbayengine ndogo, na askari wakanichangia pesa Ksh 2000.”
