A middle-aged man from Wiodielo Village in Ndhiwa
Constituency, Homa Bay County committed suicide on Sunday, January 21 after
testing positive for HIV.
Esau Otieno Odumo’s body was discovered hanging from a rope
tied to a mango tree at his home.
Confirming the incident, Area assistant chief Owiti
James Omondi said Otieno developed episodes of depression
after a medical report revealed his HIV status.
According to the area administrator, Odumo’s health had
significantly deteriorated, and when his family members took him to the
hospital, his medical test result showed he was living with HIV.
He further revealed that Odumo had been counseled on how to
live positively with HIV.
“On Friday, January 19, Odumo had even accepted to take
antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), which had been prescribed to him by doctors,” said
Omondi.
But on Sunday morning, Odumo told his wife, Yvonne
Otieno, that he was heading to the toilet, but, instead, went and tied a sisal
rope to a mango tree near his home, and committed suicide.
“His wife found his body dangling from the tree when
she went looking for him after he took long to return,” said Omondi.
According to Yvonne, 25, her husband tested positive for HIV
two weeks ago.
Odumo’s body was moved to Homa Bay County Teaching and
Referral Hospital mortuary.
