A tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning, October 30, 2025, after a civil engineer died in a suspected case of suicide at the Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) Mall in Kisumu.
Reports indicate that the man reportedly fell from the second floor of the building and was pronounced dead at the scene. His body was later taken to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for a postmortem examination to determine the cause of death.
Preliminary findings suggest the man may have taken his own life, though investigators are exploring all possible angles to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities have confirmed that the matter has been reported to the relevant agencies, with investigations currently underway.
According to eyewitnesses, the man arrived at the mall early in the morning and parked his vehicle before entering the building. Moments later, he reportedly returned to hand over his car keys, explaining that his son would come to pick up the vehicle. Shortly afterward, witnesses said he was seen falling from the upper floor of the building, prompting security personnel to raise the alarm.
Emergency responders and police officers arrived at the scene and cordoned off the area as forensic teams began collecting evidence. Kisumu Central Subcounty Police officials have opened an inquiry to determine the motive behind the incident and to ascertain whether any external factors may have played a role.
The incident has reignited concerns over the rising number of suicide cases across the country. Police statistics show that several similar cases are reported weekly, with a significant number involving men.
Mental health professionals continue to urge Kenyans to seek psychosocial support when facing emotional distress or life challenges. Those struggling with mental health issues are encouraged to reach out for help by contacting qualified counsellors or calling the toll-free mental health helpline at 1199 for immediate assistance.
