A teacher at Nyamira Boys High School in Kenya has reportedly taken his own life after losing money in an online casino.
Nyamira Township Assistant Chief, Johnson Manyara said Kelvin Omwenga died by suicide at his rented house on Wednesday night, June 5, 2024.
The administrator added that the teacher had lost about Sh50,000 in the betting.
“I was informed by locals about a teacher who had ended his life,” Mr Manyara said.
“I proceeded to his house and notified police officers who arrived and took the body away.”
The assistant chief added that Omwenga’s wife had given birth but was not at home when the incident occurred.
“His wife had travelled upcountry after the couple had been informed that Omwenga’s parents were sick. He told his wife to travel home,” the administrator said.
Nyamira Boys principal George Onkundi said the school fraternity was shocked to learn of the death.
The principal said Omwenga was hired by the Board of Management and he had been at the school for four years.
“He taught mathematics and chemistry. We got concerned when he failed to report to work on Wednesday,” Mr Onkundi said.
He said Omwenga never exhibited symptoms of depression but added that the teacher used to borrow money from colleagues.
“He did not exhibit signs of mental stress but had talked of domestic matters bothering him. He would often get financial help from teachers,” Mr Onkundi said.
