The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) is mourning the loss of 24-year-old soldier Precious Mabonga, who was found dead in her home in Kahawa Sukari on Thursday in what authorities are investigating as a suicide.
Mabonga’s body was discovered hanging from metal bars in her bathroom on April 24, with investigators determining she had used a manila rope to take her own life.
She was based at the Kahawa Barracks.
Investigations revealed that Mabonga had previously attempted suicide on March 25, 2025, at the Kahawa Barracks Military Police Unit.
She was admitted to the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital, where she was diagnosed with Recurrent Depressive Disorder.
Teams that visited the scene found medication prescribed for treating depression.
The body was moved to the Defence Forces Memorial Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Cases of suicide among soldiers have been on the rise, despite efforts by authorities to curb the trend.
Like police officers, soldiers often face immense pressure, handling community problems while working under extremely difficult conditions and putting their lives at risk.
Over the years, a spike in deaths among security officers has been linked to trauma.
The World Health Organization attributes such cases to factors such as joblessness, bereavement, academic pressures, legal and financial challenges, bullying, previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance abuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.
The government says efforts are ongoing to address the growing mental health crisis among service members.