Police in Kisumu have launched investigations into the death of a middle-aged man who allegedly took his own life at the Lake Basin Mall on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
According to a preliminary police report, the deceased, identified as Juma Hanington, is said to have jumped from the second floor of the building, dying instantly. The incident occurred shortly after he arrived at the mall and parked his vehicle, a white Toyota Land Cruiser V8 with registration number KCY 869G.
Witnesses at the scene described the moment as shocking and unexpected. One mall attendant said the man appeared calm when he arrived and parked his car before walking into the building. Moments later, a loud thud was heard, sending panic through the mall as shoppers and staff rushed to the scene.
Security personnel and first responders quickly cordoned off the area as police were called in to begin investigations. Preliminary findings suggest that Hanington may have been headed to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices located within the mall before the incident occurred.
In a statement, KRA expressed deep regret over the tragic event and extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. The agency termed the occurrence as unfortunate and confirmed that it had reported the matter to the relevant authorities. KRA also assured the public that it was fully cooperating with law enforcement officers handling the investigation.
The authority further encouraged taxpayers and the public to use official channels to report any suspicious activities or incidents through their nearest Tax Service Office.
The body of the deceased was later moved to the Aga Khan Hospital mortuary in Kisumu, where a postmortem is expected to be conducted to help determine the cause of death. Police have opened a file on the matter and are following leads to establish what might have led to the suspected suicide.
Authorities are urging members of the public to seek professional help and mental health support whenever faced with personal or financial difficulties, as investigations continue into the tragic incident at the Lake Basin Mall.
