Residents of Gacharu village in Muranga are reeling in shock following the death of a class six boy who allegedly committed suicide.
The boy, Bryan Kimuri is said to have hanged himself a day after his 12th birthday celebrations inside his room in his parents' house. The cause of his decision remains unknown.
The incident was confirmed by area Chief Hannah Wanjiru who said that her office has been trying to teach parents on how to deal with their children's troubles to avoid such.
She termed the incident as unfortunate, hailing the deceased, a pupil at Kiangochi Primary School in Kiharu Sub County, as one of the most disciplined children in the neighbourhood.
“Incidents of suicide especially among the youth is a major threat to the community. The administrators have been holding meetings with the community educating parents to spare time for engagement with their children,” Wanjiru was quoted by the Standard.
The boy's relatives said that he was cheerful before going to bed on Friday night, only to be found dead the next day.
A neighbour, Kamau Mwangi, suspected that Kimuri could have been undergoing some emotional challenges.
“There is need for parents to understand their young as they could be suffering in silence, thus need for social workers to counsel and guide those in need of support,” he said.