Police have launched investigations after an officer committed suicide by allegedly swallowing a pesticide in Mavoko, Machakos County.

The officer identified as constable Francis Mutua was attached to the KBC police station in Matungulu, Machakos County.

According to his wife, he was at his home when he complained about money on Sunday morning before ending his own life later in the day. 

His wife told police that the victim went to the kitchen, picked up a cup and locked himself in the bedroom where he emptied a pesticide into the cup and swallowed it.

She raised an alarm alerting neighbours, who responded and tried to save him in vain.

He succumbed at the scene before the body was moved to the mortuary.

This is the latest suicide incident affecting members of the police service, amid efforts to address the menace.

As part of efforts to address the trend, authorities launched counselling services, and the National Police Service Commission also established a unit to attend to their demanding situation.

The police counselling unit evaluates, designs and leads an outreach programme that helps prevent mental health and substance abuse among the officers.

There are plans to staff the unit and devolve its activities in all the 47 counties.