In a year marked by profound loss, the tragic suicides of notable individuals have highlighted the pressing issue of mental health struggles that can often remain unseen.
Among those who took their own lives this year include:
William Gakuo
The nation is still grappling with the shocking loss of William Gakuo, the brother-in-law of former President Uhuru Kenyatta, who passed away at the age of 48.
Gakuo’s untimely death occurred at his home in the affluent neighborhood of Karen, Nairobi, on November 6, 2023.
Authorities reported that Gakuo’s death is being investigated as a suicide.
Police revealed that he was found hanging in the corridor leading to his bedroom, accompanied by a note that has been deemed a suicide note.
The incident has left a cloud of sorrow hanging over his family and the wider community, prompting further inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his passing.
In a poignant family statement, his wife, Sheila Wanjiku Mwangi, expressed the family’s devastation.
“It is with deep sorrow and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce the passing of William…Brother of Gabriela, Maina, Christine, and Margaret.”
Gakuo’s cremation took place on November 12 at the Hindu Crematorium in Nairobi’s Kariokor, marking the end of a life that was deeply intertwined with the legacy of Kenya’s political landscape.
Born to Dr. Ephantus Njuguna Gakuo and his German mother, Magdalena Njuguna, in Murang’a County’s Kangema constituency, Gakuo had strong familial ties to the influential Kenyatta family.
His death serves as a sobering reminder of the struggles that can lurk behind the façades of public lives, prompting urgent conversations about mental health in Kenya and the importance of support networks within families and communities.
As investigations continue, the tragic demise of William Gakuo raises questions about mental health awareness and the burdens that individuals carry, often hidden from view.
His passing is not only a personal loss for his family but also a significant moment for reflection for the nation as it grapples with issues of well-being and support for those in distress.
David Odhiambo
Esther Akoth, known as Akothee, also lost her brother-in-law, David Odhiambo Otieno, who tragically took his own life.
The late David was the brother to Akothee’s first husband Jared Otieno with whom she shares three children with.
David Odhiambo tragically passed away on September 6, 2024, with the family later confirming that he had taken his own life.
During the funeral, Akothee posted a video of Jared delivering an emotional eulogy, sharing her condolences with her former partner.
“Sorry Jared,” Akothee wrote in the caption.
In his speech, Jared spoke of the pain he had endured, having lost several family members within a short span of time.
“It has torn me apart, it has broken me. But I want to thank my friends who are standing with us,” he said.
Vesha Okello, Akothee’s eldest daughter, also shared a tribute to her late uncle. She posted a video of David’s grave, offering her condolences.
“Rest in peace, uncle, I may not understand but it’s okay,” Vesha wrote.
Earlier, Akothee penned an emotional open letter to her late brother-in-law, addressing his tragic death.
In the letter, shared on social media, the singer expressed her sorrow and heartbreak over his decision to commit suicide, while also questioning why he chose to leave his family behind.
“Dear Brother-in-law, I don’t have the strength to judge you due to the decision you made to end this journey. I might want to ask why you didn’t contact me or even your nieces, but maybe you thought everyone was caught up in their own problems,” Akothee wrote on Instagram.
She attached the post with photos of her late brother-in-law, sharing fond memories.
In her letter, Akothee mourned the loss not only for herself but for the family David left behind, including his wife, children, and mother, who had been widowed just a year earlier.
“What about your wife and children? Did you not think of your mother, who became a widow a year ago? Why did you become so selfish, David? You have broken my children’s hearts,” she wrote.
Despite her grief, Akothee asked for forgiveness on behalf of the family, acknowledging the sadness that has engulfed them all.
“I’m so sorry, David. Forgive us for not being there for you, but to be honest, we are all angry with this life now, we are all taking our heads out of the water just to avoid suffocation,” she said.
As the family continues to grieve, Akothee’s words reflect the heavy toll that loss and grief have taken on them.
In her final farewell, she offered a personal and emotional tribute to the late David Odhiambo Otieno, writing, “Rest in peace, Omejo. Yuora ma ok luonga gi nyinga,” meaning “My friend, whose name is not called by mine.”
Charles Ouda
Actor Charles Ouda is another prominent person who died by suicide this year.
In an announcement made on behalf of his family by Ouda’s fiancée Ciru Muriuki, it was confirmed that the actor died on the night of Saturday, February 3, 2024.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family of Charles ‘Charlie’ J. Ouda and Ciru Muriuki inform you of his passing on the night of 3rd February 2024. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend. Charlie was 38 years old,” the statement read.
The statement however fell short of revealing that the actor died by suicide.
DCI detectives took over the investigations into Ouda’s death following his demise.
Homicide sleuths sought to determine whether the actor was killed or died by suicide.
Visible evidence suggested Ouda died by suicide but police wanted to rule out foul play in the actor’s death.
DCI detectives visited the scene in Westlands, Nairobi, as part of their comprehensive investigation into the incident.
At the end of police investigations, it was ultimately determined that Ouda died by suicide.
Sources close to the actor intimated that his battle with alcoholism could have contributed to him taking his own life.
Despite his public persona, on the last day he was seen alive, Ouda appeared outwardly okay.
He even attended a party held for the casts of Maisha Magic’s ‘Salem’ show before he took his own life.
Videos from the event, shared by fellow cast member Jackie Matubia, showed a seemingly joyful Ouda, laughing and enjoying the company of his colleagues, unknowingly on the brink of tragedy.
It is so shocking that Ouda’s was very happy outwards yet inside he was drowning in his own nightmare – but then again alcoholics are very unpredictable.
