Medical Intern Discovered Deceased on Balcony in Apparent Suicide

A medical intern has tragically died in a suspected suicide in Gatundu. Dr. Desree Moraa Obwogi, 27, was discovered deceased on the balcony of her apartment on Sunday night, according to police and colleagues.

Officers at the scene reported finding her body hanging with a rope around her neck. At the time of her death, she lived alone on the fourth floor of the building. While the exact motive remains unclear, a suicide note indicated that she had been feeling stressed and overworked.

Her family expressed heartbreak over the incident, while friends attributed her death to overwhelming work pressure and personal challenges. They noted that Dr. Moraa had been enduring long shifts, often lasting 12 to 36 hours.

Authorities were notified of her death on Sunday evening and are currently investigating it as a suicide. Her body has been moved to the mortuary for an autopsy. Colleagues remembered her as a dedicated medical professional.

Fellow interns expressed their sorrow and highlighted the systemic issues in their working conditions, stating that Dr. Moraa’s struggles to meet basic living expenses amid relentless job demands reflect a significant failure in support for medical interns.

“This tragic event is not an isolated case; it emphasizes the urgent need for the Ministry of Health to address the negligence and poor treatment of medical interns, who constitute a vital part of the healthcare workforce in public facilities,” they stated.

They noted that medical interns contribute approximately 30% of the labor in public health facilities and often work extended hours without adequate rest or meals. The mental health toll of these conditions is severe, with many lives lost to suicide over the years without meaningful action from authorities.

To honor Dr. Moraa and raise awareness about these pressing issues, the interns announced a 36-hour mourning period starting Tuesday, September 24, at noon, during which all medical interns will withdraw their services. They called on healthcare leaders and fellow interns to participate in this solemn remembrance, urging facility management to prepare for potential service disruptions.