Man Dies By Suicide After Wife Handed Him Belt He Repeatedly Requested

A 38-year-old tuberculosis patient at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital died by suicide after his wife fulfilled what seemed like an innocent request for a belt.

Mike Juma had been undergoing treatment for tuberculosis in an isolation ward at the hospital. According to family members, during their hospital visits, Juma would routinely ask for various personal items, but one request remained consistent—he wanted a belt.

The request seemed unusual to hospital staff and family alike, as patients typically wear loose hospital gowns that don’t require belts.

Nevertheless, on Sunday, his wife brought the requested item, unaware of the devastating consequences that would follow.

Later that evening, Juma’s body was discovered in a washroom of Ward Seven, the hospital’s tuberculosis section. He had used the belt to hang himself.

“Other patients assumed he had stepped out to bathe or use the washroom,” said Dr. Vincent Oduor, the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer.

It was a janitor who made the grim discovery while cleaning the facility.

What makes this case particularly heartbreaking is that, according to Dr. Oduor, Juma had appeared to be responding positively to his tuberculosis treatment.

However, preliminary investigations revealed that he had previously defaulted on his medication, which had necessitated his readmission to the hospital.

Homa Bay sub-County Police Commander Emmanuel Kiplagat confirmed that investigators were dispatched to the hospital following the report, and a postmortem examination would be conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Medical professionals note that severe illnesses can often lead to depression and suicidal thoughts, which may not always be apparent to caregivers or medical staff.

Mental health experts emphasize the need for comprehensive care that addresses both physical and psychological well-being, especially for patients in isolation wards who may feel disconnected from their support systems.

Juma’s body has been transferred to the hospital mortuary awaiting autopsy as the investigation continues.