Saving the boychild: Murang’a leaders join forces to tackle surging suicide cases
By Wangari Njuguna, January 3, 2026In a bid to curb cases of suicide in Mathioya, Murang’a, leaders have joined hands to establish a platform for men, who are the majority of the victims.
A group dubbed Gitugi United Men is geared toward providing a platform for men in the area to speak and share the challenges they face in life.
According to David Waiganjo, Gitugi area chief, nearly every homestead has been affected by the suicide menace.
Waiganjo said that out of ten cases reported, seven of the victims are men, and thus the move is to come to their rescue to help save their lives.
Speaking during an interaction session with the residents at Gitugi town on Friday, January 2, 2026, the administrator said men lack a platform for psychosocial support, and this drives them to take their lives when overwhelmed.
Economic hardship
He highlighted economic hardship as the major contributing factor, as men are unable to provide for their families, leading to conflicts.
“Nearly every home in this area has lost a kin to suicide, and this is a call for concern for the leaders to do something to save the men in our society,” Waiganjo said.
“We also need to give men a chance to speak out when they get overwhelmed instead of ridiculing them,” he added.
Edwin Wairagu, Gitugi ward representative, said he has attended over ten funerals of people who have died by suicide in a span of two months.
Wairagu said the platform will give men an opportunity to interact, network, and be empowered to lead better lives.
“We will be mobilising resources to help these men start their own income-generating ventures, which will go a long way to ease the financial constraints in their lives and those of their families,” Wairagu added.
“Our aim is to see the man rise again and be empowered to reclaim his position in society,” he added.
Charles Karani, a resident, said the government should also craft a special programme for men similar to those for women.
“There are so many programs geared towards women’s empowerment, but none for men, which I think is unfair,” he said.
Suicide cases have been on the rise in the country, with barely a day passing without a case being reported.
While financial constraints are said to be the leading cause, other factors such as mental instability and drug abuse have also been listed as contributing factors.