- Officer identified as David Okebe Goga reportedly killed his two children and a nephew.
- He returned home from Marsabit three weeks earlier.
- The children were allegedly poisoned before the officer hanged himself.
- A suicide note was found, giving burial instructions.
- Investigators suspect unresolved family disputes triggered the act.
- Mental health crisis among police officers continues to deepen.
The quiet village of Kawarwai in Rachuonyo West, Homa Bay County, has been thrown into mourning following a disturbing incident involving a police officer who allegedly ended the lives of his two children and a nephew, before taking his own.
The officer, identified as Constable David Okebe Goga, was based at Marsabit Police Station. He had travelled back to his rural home in Kakdhimu East, Kawiti Sub-location, three weeks prior. The devastating events unfolded on Saturday, April 5, 2025.
Children Allegedly Poisoned Before Suicide
Initial reports from the police indicate that the three children—Eden Hazard Okebe (6), Trezy Nicole Okebe (5), and Seth Odeka (5), Goga’s nephew—were poisoned. The officer then reportedly hanged himself in the family’s sitting room using a sisal rope.
A suicide note was recovered at the scene. The handwritten message contained instructions on how the officer wished his children to be buried. Detectives are currently examining the note to verify its authenticity.
Family Conflicts Believed to Be a Trigger
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that domestic tensions could have played a role in the tragic act.
“The deceased has been dealing with domestic issues. That may have pushed him to this point. We are yet to confirm what substance was used, but toxicology and postmortem results will give us answers,” said Koilem.
David’s brother, Collins Goga, revealed that family disagreements—especially with in-laws—had been weighing heavily on the officer, prompting him to seek counsel in recent times.
“He had been struggling with unresolved family issues that neither side managed to solve,” Collins told the media.
Another brother, Fred Ochieng, recalled seeing David on Saturday. He said his brother had mentioned he was going to visit their sick mother but showed no signs of distress.
“He didn’t appear troubled at all. He said he was going to the hospital to check on mum. We couldn’t have suspected anything,” Ochieng said.
Mental Health Crisis in Police Force
The tragedy adds to a growing concern over mental health within the police service. On average, at least three officers die by suicide every month in Kenya. Analysts say about 60 officers take their own lives annually, sparking fresh calls for urgent mental health support within the force.
