A 42 year old mother of six has left the nation is shock after she allegedly poisoned and strangled her four children, aged between two and seven years.

The four, three girls and a boy, were killed inside the family’s living room at their residential house located less than two kilometres from Naivasha town.

The woman is said to have taken to a family WhatsApp group to confess that she had killed her children and later called her brother to direct him where to find the bodies.

She is also reported to have left a letter for her elder son, who was away from home at the time of the incident.

Financial Challenges

In the letter, she asked her son to forgive her and seek comfort in God, saying she was ready to go to jail. She also confessed that she was experiencing financial challenges that left her unable to afford rent and also speaks of a betrayal from her boyfriend.

Police in Naivasha have since arrested the woman.

The accused is said to have dropped out of campus in fourth year, where she was pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce Degree and had been engaging in part time teaching jobs before the pandemic rendered her jobless.

WHO Cautions Against Rise in Depression, Anxiety and Substance use Disorders

Last month, the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a new policy brief, had cautioned against a rise in depression, anxiety and substance use disorders as the economic & social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic continues to increase.

The policy brief, which  identified specific population groups that are at particular risk of COVID-related psychological distress, highlighted women among the  vulnerable groups.

Women

Women, particularly those who are juggling home-schooling, working from home and household tasks, have also been cited among those at risk of developing mental disorders.

Children, adolescents and older people especially those living alone are also at risk as well and people with pre-existing mental health conditions.

WHO director, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said mental health is just as important as physical health and the pandemic is serving us this reminder.