A 29-year-old woman has died at Kenyatta National Hospital after a tragic act of self-immolation in Emali, Makueni County. Authorities report that the incident followed a domestic dispute with her husband, who is said to have ended their relationship shortly before the act.
According to Nzaui Sub-County Police Commander Agnes Kunga, police received a distress call at around 8:45 a.m. on Thursday, August 28, 2025, alerting them that the woman had set herself on fire. She was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital with severe burns covering 70 percent of her body. Despite intensive medical care, she succumbed to her injuries two days later, leaving behind a grieving family and a shocked community.
Commander Kunga expressed concern over the rising number of suicide-related cases in Makueni County, echoing national worries about mental health among young people. Across Kenya, cases of suicide have been linked to academic pressure, financial strain, relationship challenges, and untreated mental health issues. Unfortunately, stigma continues to prevent many from seeking the help they need.
Leaders and psychologists are urging Kenyans to have open conversations around mental health and to build safe spaces where individuals can share their struggles without fear of judgment. Institutions, especially schools and universities, are being encouraged to strengthen counseling services to support students and youth facing depression or stress.
This painful incident serves as a reminder of the urgent need to address mental health challenges head-on. Families, friends, and communities are called upon to check in on their loved ones regularly and to be alert to signs of emotional distress.
As investigations into the case continue, Kenyans mourn the young woman’s death and reflect on the broader crisis facing the nation’s youth. It is a heartbreaking reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health—and must be prioritized to prevent further loss of life.
