The police, together with the provincial government, have launched an investigation into the death of a 12-year-old student suspected of committing suicide in the classroom at Sare Primary School in Awendo, Migori County.

Area head Paul Ogweno said the body of the Grade 4 student was found hanging in the classroom by some students who had just reported to the school on Tuesday morning.

Ogweno said they are yet to determine what happened before the boy committed suicide. The minor's mother said the student left home early in the morning and appeared to be okay.

The deceased's body was transferred to the Rapcom Hospital mortuary to await an autopsy and police investigation.

Meanwhile, the regional chief urged parents to regularly talk with their children so they could know some of the challenges they were going through.  He added that many children may suffer from mental disorders, especially due to family problems. Without the care and emotional support of their parents, they committed suicide.

Ogweno believes that children and adults need the necessary psychosocial support when stressed.

According to data from the county health department, Migori County is experiencing an increase in mental illness cases.