Burundian Refugee collapses after ingesting rat poison outside Kenya Human Rights Office
An 18-year-old Burundian refugee is receiving treatment at Mbagathi District Hospital after consuming a poison outside the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) offices on Kasuku Road.
The incident occurred on Sunday when police responded to a distress call and found the unconscious victim on the floor after he suddenly collapsed inside the building.
Investigations showed the victim was a registered Burundian refugee with United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) having voluntarily disclosed his status upon arrival at the facility.
A search of the victim’s bag revealed a torn sachet of rat poison, partially emptied alongside a water bottle containing a suspicious blackish liquid, apparently a mixture of the poison and water.
Following emergency response, the victim was stabilized by paramedics and transported to Mbagathi District Hospital for continued care, with his condition reported as fair.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 703 000 lives are lost to suicide annually, making it the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29.
Additionally, the WHO cites joblessness, academic pressures, legal issues, loss, bullying, substance abuse and mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder as significant risk factors.
