The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Military Police are currently investigating the tragic suicide of Corporal Wycliffe Kalem Mukhwana, who took his own life on Monday morning at the 9KR Barracks in Eldoret.
The shocking incident unfolded at approximately 11:00 AM when Mukhwana, stationed at the barracks for guard duty, shot himself in the chin with an AK-47 rifle, the bullet passing through his head.
He was found inside the barracks’ Signal Changing Room.
Mukhwana, 27, had been deployed for guard duties on Sunday, February 2nd, and his death has left his colleagues and superiors in disbelief.
As part of the ongoing investigation, KDF Military Police are examining both the physical evidence and the contents of a suicide note Mukhwana posted on his personal Facebook page prior to the incident.
In the note, Mukhwana made serious allegations against his senior officers, expressing deep frustration with the treatment he had received.
He revealed that he had been denied a pass and access to a loan facility, with his superiors allegedly failing to sign the necessary documents for him to access these basic services.
His post concluded with a disturbing message directed at his seniors, reading:
“But as I leave my family disgruntled, live with yours in peace. F*cked up!”
The note has raised questions about the pressures that Mukhwana may have been under, both in his professional and personal life.
Sources within the barracks suggest that the corporal had shown signs of distress in recent weeks but nothing that seemed to foreshadow such a drastic action.
Speaking exclusively to this publication, a close colleague of Mukhwana, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “He was a quiet guy, always doing his job. But recently, he seemed more withdrawn, especially when it came to interactions with his superiors. We never thought he would go to such lengths, it’s just tragic.”
Military sources confirm that an internal investigation is underway to determine whether the allegations made by Mukhwana hold any merit.
In a statement released by the KDF, they expressed their condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that a thorough inquiry will be conducted to understand the events leading up to the death of the young officer.
“The Kenya Defence Forces takes such incidents seriously, and our Military Police are working to understand the circumstances surrounding this sad event. Our thoughts and prayers are with Corporal Mukhwana’s family during this difficult time,” the statement read.
As the investigation continues, questions are being raised about the mental health support available to military personnel, particularly those stationed away from their families and facing the stresses of daily duties.
Mukhwana’s tragic death has shone a light on the importance of providing a supportive environment for soldiers who may be dealing with personal or professional challenges.
The KDF has urged anyone with concerns about mental health to seek assistance, emphasizing that help is available to those in need. Meanwhile, the investigation into the death of Corporal Wycliffe Kalem Mukhwana is ongoing, and the military police are working to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking tragedy.
