Grief engulfed locals in Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga county, after two people died by suicide in two villages.

According to Kirinyaga West sub-county police commander Moses Koskei, the first incident happened at Kagio town, where a form three student was found hanging from a roof rafter at his home, where he lived with his mother.

Koskei said police officers from Kagio police station went to the scene after an alarm was raised.

The 16-year-old is said to have left a suicide note, with a probe having been launched.

The second incident happened at Karia-ini village in Getuya location, where a 69-year-old man was found hanging from an avocado tree.

Police commander said Bernard King'uru's body was found by his wife.

According to the residents of Karia-ini village, led by elder Joseph Muriithi, King'uru was a retired accountant.

"We wonder why he committed suicide. The man appeared to be doing well," he said.

The two bodies were taken to Kerugoya mortuary awaiting postmortem.

Kirinyaga residents have raised concerns over rising cases of suicide among men.'

Last week three people died by suicide in Mwea and Gichugu constituencies.