A devastating incident has rocked Nyamira Boys Senior High School in Kenya, as a teacher was found dead in a suspected case of suicide. Kevin Omwenga, a Chemistry and Mathematics teacher, was discovered hanging in his house on Thursday, leaving colleagues and students in shock.
According to Area Assistant Chief Johnson Manyara, Omwenga was deeply in debt, having borrowed approximately Ksh50,000 ($380) from fellow teachers, much of which he lost playing the Aviator betting game. “I have gathered from his colleagues that he borrowed a lot of money but lost most of it playing the Aviator game,” said Manyara.
Despite his struggles, Omwenga showed no signs of stress, according to school principal George Onkundi. “He had not yet been employed by the TSC but had been teaching with us under BOM for the past four years. He didn’t show any signs of stress,” the principal stated.
Concern arose when Omwenga failed to report to work on Wednesday and didn’t answer calls. Teachers visited his house, where they found his body hanging. Police and the area assistant chief were called to the scene. Omwenga’s wife and one-year-old child were away visiting his sick mother in the village at the time of the incident.
The body was taken to Nyamira Referral Hospital, leaving the school community in mourning. Omwenga’s colleagues and students remembered him as a dedicated teacher who was passionate about his work. The incident has raised concerns about the effects of gambling and debt on mental health.
The school and local authorities have pledged to provide support to Omwenga’s family and colleagues during this difficult time. The incident is under investigation, and counseling services have been offered to those affected.
