A 40-year-old boda boda rider took his own life by hanging on Thursday morning in a heartbreaking climax to weeks of marital strife, alleged infidelity, and financial pressure.
Abraham Mbewa, a well-known operator at Uranga Bodaboda stage, was found dead in his small hut in Ndiwo village, Kaugagi Udenda, West Alego, after he used a plastic rope he had just bought to end his life.
Villagers and family members are reeling from the tragedy, describing Mbewa as a quiet, hardworking man pushed to the brink by his crumbling four-year marriage.
Sources close to the family say the couple had been locked in bitter domestic disputes, forcing Mbewa’s wife (name withheld for privacy) to leave their matrimonial home and rent a room at nearby Mwer shopping centre.
Before leaving, she allegedly convinced Mbewa to act as guarantor for a KSh50,000 loan — a burden that weighed heavily on him.
The breaking point came on Wednesday morning when Mbewa reportedly found his estranged wife with another man he suspected of being her lover. Enraged, he attacked and overpowered the rival in a physical confrontation witnessed by several people.
Though he emerged victorious in the fight, Mbewa remained deeply disturbed. That evening, close relatives held an urgent counselling session in a desperate bid to calm him.
On Thursday, he reported to work as usual at Uranga stage and ferried passengers until around 11 a.m. He then stopped at a local grocery to buy a packet of milk, bread, and the plastic twine rope.
A close friend at the stage recalled Mbewa casually saying he was taking a short break to eat breakfast and tie up a goat at home.
When he arrived home, he handed the bread and milk to his younger sister, asking her to prepare breakfast. He then entered his hut. Moments later, when she brought him tea, she found him hanging from a rafter.
Family members and neighbours rushed to the scene but it was too late. Police were notified and the body removed to the mortuary.
The incident has sparked renewed calls in the community for better support for men facing domestic crises, mental health challenges, and financial stress.
Authorities in Siaya are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suicide. Grief counselling is being offered to the bereaved family.
If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to local support services or helplines immediately.
