In 2017, Facebook expanded those suicide prevention efforts to include artificial intelligence that can identify posts, videos and Facebook Live streams containing suicidal thoughts or content.
However it seems not to work as more people are using the online platform to send their last messages.
A woman from Meru who posted on Facebook that she would commit suicide and later headed to her threats has left many Kenyans sending sympathies to her family after her sad story was exposed.
The 28 year old woman and mother of a 3-year-old daughter was found hanging from the roof of a house in the homestead by her father.
Although she does not specifically say what led to her taking her life, the late Millicent Kithinji Mwiriki took to her Facebook page to bid her 3-year-old daughter goodbye, saying: “My love, I can’t find words that would form a perfect statement to express how much I love you. I have fought the battle, but it seems I am almost losing it. I only pray that god may give you guidance, love and comfort. Mum still loves you, and will always love you. Kindly, forgive me,”
This message was followed closely by another meant for her father that she posted at 3:20pm on Thursday that read: “Dad, I am sorry, but I am not able to break the news that I am about to commit suicide. I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive me,”
Shortly, thereafter, the diploma in purchasing and supplies management graduate from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) killed herself by hanging from a rope tied to the roof of her father’s granary in South Imenti.
A close relative, told the news rooms that a heartbreaking text message from her current lover and who also happens to be the baby daddy of the three year old girl compounded her woes, consequently pushing her into suicide.
The text from a lady identified only as Stacy read: “ I am pregnant for your husband; it is high time you accept that he moved on, and there is no possibility of him getting back together with you,”
According to the kin of the deceased, Mwiriki’s baby daddy, who had gone to further his education at Kenya Medical Training College in Nakuru, had promised to marry her once he graduated from the institution. However, after graduating last December, the man reportedly cut off communication with her, compounding her frustrations.
Besides that, Mwiriki cited unemployment and inability to fend for her daughter as the reason for her action.
At around 1pm on Friday, Mwiriki said, what would be her last prayer, which she called for courage and hope, virtues she hasn’t lived to practice.
The prayer posted on Facebook read: “Heavenly Father, guide and lead me through every trial I face today and every day…victory is near; and I pray that the trials i face will bring me closer to you. I won’t give up in Jesus’ name, amen.”
Mwiriki’s suicidal ideation announced on social media adds to several previous incidents, where young people took to the platform to announce their intention, which they executed.