The body of 32-year-old Mercy Maina has been found in her Nairobi apartment, about a month after her suspected suicide. Her death has left relatives and neighbours reflecting on how someone can be struggling privately without those around them noticing. Maina is reported to have left a note addressed to her mother before her death. In it, she asked for forgiveness and gave instructions concerning her belongings, while also expressing her wish to be cremated or buried in a river because of her love for rivers. She also used the note to share personal thoughts about life and how people treat one another. Among her wishes was to build her mother a house, while urging people to be less judgmental of others. Her family had last spoken to her in early August and did not notice signs that she was in distress. Neighbours, meanwhile, remembered her as a kind person who gave gifts to children and cared deeply for her cat, Woods. Maina’s death has renewed conversations about loneliness and mental health, particularly in large cities where people may live close to others while remaining isolated. It has also prompted calls for people to regularly check on family members, friends and neighbours who may be going through difficulties silently.