A police officer who had been reported missing from his place of employment in Rabai, Kilifi County, along with his rifle, was apprehended following a dramatic search that took place some hours later.
Additionally, he found the weapon—a G3 rifle with twenty rounds—where he had left it before leaving.
After completing his night shift at the Rabai Kenya power plant on September 6, the officer had not been seen at his place of employment any longer than the previous day.
As soon as the chief of the armoury realised that he had not returned his weapon, he phoned him and enquired about his whereabouts.
He told the police that he had hidden the firearm among containers at his place of employment.
He claimed that he had an urgent meeting scheduled for some time in his remote house in Meru.
Despite carrying out a search, they were unable to find the weapon.
At the Mariakani weighbridge, authorities apprehended him while he was riding in a public service vehicle. The decision to track him down led to this outcome.
They brought him back to the location where he had stored the firearm.
The police claim that they detained him during the interim period while they took internal disciplinary action.
The reasons for his decision to quit his place of employment without the appropriate authorisation are not entirely evident.
Trauma is the cause of the problem, according to insiders.
In the midst of demands for action to address the same issue, the pattern is becoming more prevalent among law enforcement agents.
According to officials, the police are often the ones on the receiving end of all community concerns.
They must not only risk their lives, but also uphold law and order in difficult situations.
Over the years, there has been a connection between trauma and an increase in military fatalities.
Stress at work appears to be a pattern that has led to the suicide deaths of dozens of police officers or the deaths of many others.
The authorities in charge of the police department have developed counselling services as part of their efforts to address the trend. Additionally, the National Police Service Commission has established a section and staffed it to meet the demanding circumstances they are facing.
In addition to other responsibilities, the counselling unit will be responsible for evaluating, designing, and leading an outreach programme that assists in the prevention of mental health and drug misuse.
Law enforcement officials are involved in at least three documented suicide incidents each month.
