Kenyans Mourn University Graduate Who Died After Setting Himself On Fire: "Mungu Tusaidie"

• Robert Gituhu, from Kiambu county died at Coast General Hospital after sustaining 80% burns on Thursday, August 17
• Gituhu, a graduate of mechanical engineering from the University of Eldoret, had a mental illness
• Kenyan mourned the young graduate, most saying depression is real and needs to be handled with care

The death of Robert Gituhu, a youth who sustained injuries after setting himself ablaze in Mombasa, has left his friends and community in mourning.

The 27-year-old graduate of mechanical engineering from the University of Eldoret and a resident of Kirangari village in Kiambu tried to hurt himself near the Coast Bus Offices in Mombasa Central Business District.

Gituhu died at the Coast General Hospital after suffering 80% burns in the Friday, August 18, incident.

"I helped him out of the fire using a fire extinguisher we got from Coast Bus company. He was wailing in pain and made some statements about election results," Issa Mohammed, a firefighting officer said.

Gituhu's uncle Samson Gituhu told TUKO.co.ke that his nephew had been missing for about three days before the untimely incident that led to the loss of his life.

The uncle further revealed that his nephew had been diagnosed with mental illness, a problem he developed while studying.

Before his death, the deceased allegedly complained regularly about the lack of employment since he graduated.

"He was also frustrated by the lack of employment after he studied hard and graduated. He used to regularly complain about the lack of a job. He was a learned young man who graduated in 2021. He loved his books so much and studied a lot. It is sad that it had to end this way," the uncle said.

Kenyans have to social media to mourn the unfortunate death of the young graduate, many calling for the government to work hard towards dealing with issues pertaining to mental illness.

What Kenyans said about mental illness

Dee Thabit, a concerned Kenyan, said depression is real and rampant, urging Kenyans to be kind to everyone.

"Depression is rampant nowadays. The least we can do is just to be kind to everyone!"

Mohammed Muiruri:

"Depression is real I can't judge him."

Helle Mbinya Mbinya:

"Mungu tusaidie."

John Thuo Juniax

"This is still a shock to me. Rest in power Roba."

Hakal Shazam Sharon:

"I mourn with his family for loosing such a young man, may God heal anyone who is fighting battles they can't speak about."

Mwari Wa Maina

"Kiambu! kiambu! kiambu ! God have mercy on us .... something needs to be done."

Philemon Cheruiyot:

"Depression is a killer..Jesus, Cover everyone reading this with your mighty blood from Death Amen."

What Haki Africa speaks on mental illness

Meanwhile, Haki Africa human rights activist Mathias Shipeta urged the government to give more attention to mental health and have a proactive plan of rescuing those in the streets by taking them to hospital.

"All mentally ill people should be admitted to rehabilitation centres to help them recover fully. It is saddening to see such a young Kenyan die because there are no elaborate plans to address the situation," said Shipeta.

Shipeta also called on authorities to go after a man who was seen urging the deceased to set himself ablaze in a video that has gone viral.

"When you keenly watch the video you will point out a man in a white shirt close to the deceased. He was the one who gave him matchbox and petrol to burn himself. He aided the action," Shipeta argued