A 15-year-old schoolgirl from Londiani town in Kericho County has died by suicide after reportedly discovering she had contracted HIV from her boyfriend.
The teenager, identified as Mary Chepkemoi, was a Form Two student at a local secondary school. According to her family, she was found lifeless in her bedroom, seated on a chair.
Her devastated mother said she was shocked by the sudden tragedy. “She was a quiet and respectful child. I never suspected she was in any relationship. I find it hard to believe she ended her life over HIV as the note suggests,” she said tearfully.
Police in Londiani confirmed the incident, revealing that a handwritten note was recovered in which Mary expressed she could not bear the thought of living on daily medication and wanted to “continue her life in another world.”
While investigations continue, her family believes there could be more behind her decision. “We cannot rule out other issues she may have been facing,” her mother added, urging parents to pay closer attention to their children’s struggles.
The body was taken to Londiani Sub-County Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem will be conducted.
Following the incident, Officer Commanding Station (OCS) Ruto appealed to students to focus on their education and avoid risky relationships. “There is time for everything. Children should invest their energy in school and let relationships wait until the right time,” he advised.
Community leaders and counselors have also weighed in, stressing the urgent need for open conversations about mental health among teenagers. They called on parents and schools to create safe spaces where young people can share their struggles without fear of judgment.
The tragedy has left Londiani residents deeply shaken, heightening concerns over the rising number of young people silently battling emotional and health-related challenges.click here