Another Chuka University student dead in suspected suicide

A decomposing body of a Chuka University student was found hanging from a mango tree near his hostel on Monday.

Michael Gikonyo, a second-year computer science student is believed to have committed suicide barely three weeks after his classmate, Kevin Mugendi Warui, also took his life by hanging himself in his room.

Chuka OCPD Barasa Sayia told journalists that the body of Gikonyo was discovered by a non-student who informed the university.

“The body had already started decomposing showing that it had been out there for some days,” said Mr Sayia.

He said the body was taken to Chuka County Referral Hospital mortuary and police had launched investigations into the matter.

A roommate of the deceased student who sought anonymity said Gikonyo did not return to the room since Wednesday last week and that his phone was off.

“The death could have happened on Wednesday because that is when he disappeared,” said the student.

He said Gikonyo had threatened to commit suicide and written a suicide note a while back.

He added that Gikonyo had not been attending most of his classes and had been failing most of them.

Mary Gathoni, a student at the university, has asked the institution to assist students cope with the pressures of life as young adults. She said many students are using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms.