The Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet might have to get used to the idea of having a new chauffeur after his driver committed suicide a few days ago in Narok county.
In the unfortunate incident, the driver identified as Anthony Lemayan reportedly shot himself under the chin while on sick leave.
In a police statement, his brother Evans Leteipa reported the incident to the police when he found the deceased death on the ground about 50 meters away from his house.
“Suicide incident report: OB 16/9/12/2018 at 11.10 pm. It was reported by Evans Leteipa Maasai that his brother had committed suicide in Mwamba estate on the outskirts of Narok town,” the police statement read.
“Officers went to the scene and found a GSU officer attached to the IG’s office in Nairobi had shot himself. The body had two gunshot wounds one under the chin and and exit wound on the upper head.”
No suicide note was found at the scene but police recovered a pistol, a spent cartridge and a magazine containing 14 bullets. Although the intention for the alleged suicide is still unknown, a recent study revealed that mental illness caused by the nature of the job is the main cause of the rising number of police suicides.
Investigation into the death of the late Lemayan continue as police try to find out why the deceased was allowed to carry his gun while on sick leave. One police officer said that it was against police standing orders for an officer to be in possession of a firearm when off-duty.
According to the deceased’s brother, the family was not aware that Lemayan was on sick leave. He further said that they are yet to establish whether or not the deceased really committed suicide.
“We don’t know whether he killed himself or not, the investigations will tell us,” said Leteipa.
Reports further claim that Mr. Lemayan had recently appeared before the promotion board and was soon going to be confirmed to the next rank of corporal.
The body was taken to Narok County Referral Hospital morgue for an autopsy.
What do you think is the leading cause to the rising cases of police suicide?