John Okwaro, 23 and Alice Akoth, 46 who were living as a man and wife were found dangling on a tree in their home compound in Kojwang’ village, Rachuonyo North sub-county.
“They have been staying together peacefully but we don’t know why they decided to die together on top of a mango tree which is near their house,” a villager said.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Marius Tum said his officers were informed by villagers who found the duo.
“We received a phone call from a villager who told us that a man and his wife had died. They had hanged themselves on mango tree beside their house,” Tum said.
The police boss said they could not immediately establish why the couple decided to commit suicide.
“It is very sad that two people can agree to die together, a death that can be avoided. We are still investigating why they resorted to killing themselves,” Tum said.
He said security officials in Homa Bay County record at least a case of suicide every week.
Tum said the trend is very worrying as it will leave many orphans in poverty.
“A number of people who kill themselves have children. It is unfortunate that many orphans have been left with their relatives, which has promoted to increased rates of poverty,” he added.
-The Star-ROBERT OMOLLO