Bomet nurse, wife found dead in suspected murder-suicide

In a shocking incident in Bomet, a nurse and his wife were discovered dead at their residence, sparking suspicions of a murder-suicide. Joseph Kipkorir Kirui, a 46-year-old nurse at Longisa County Referral Hospital, and his wife Viola Cherotich, a 42-year-old teacher at Kiromwok Primary School, were found lifeless. The tragic discovery occurred on Sunday, October 4, 2026, when their 11-year-old son, upon venturing outside, stumbled upon Kirui's body hanging from a tree near their home.

Upon entering the premises, authorities found Viola Cherotich in a lifeless state on their matrimonial bed, surrounded by her clothes and beddings. The police revealed that the couple had a history of domestic violence. The house was discovered to be ransacked and disorganized, with several used adrenaline vials recovered at the scene. Blood was observed oozing from Viola Cherotich's mouth.

Strikingly, no suicide note was found alongside the bodies. The couple resided with two of their children, while the remaining two were attending boarding school. Crime Scene Investigation officers from Bomet processed the scene before the bodies were taken to Longisa County Referral Hospital's mortuary for preservation until postmortem examinations could be conducted.

Police are currently investigating the circumstances that led to this tragic event, awaiting the postmortem results to gather further insights. Recent statistics indicate that such incidents are on the rise, predominantly involving male victims. The World Health Organisation attributes these cases to various factors including joblessness, death, academic failures, legal troubles, financial difficulties, bullying, previous suicide attempts, a family history of suicide, alcoholism, substance misuse, depression, and bipolar disorder.

The government has acknowledged the severity of the issue and is taking steps to address this growing menace.