Man Dies After Jumping From KRA Offices

Tension gripped the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) offices at the Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu on Thursday, October 30, after a man jumped from the second floor of the building, dying on the spot.

In a statement released later in the day, KRA confirmed the incident, describing it as “unfortunate” and expressing deep regret over the loss.

According to the authority, the middle-aged man sustained severe injuries after the fall and was pronounced dead shortly after.

“KRA deeply regrets this incident and conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” read the statement signed by the Commissioner for Shared Services.

Photo of a crime scene. /VIRAL TEA KE

Authorities have since launched investigations to determine what exactly led to the tragedy. KRA noted that the matter has already been reported to the relevant agencies, with law enforcement officers currently handling the probe.

"The matter has been reported to the relevant authorities, and investigations are currently underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. KRA is fully cooperating with law enforcement officers to facilitate the ongoing investigations,” the statement added.

Eyewitnesses at the scene reported panic and confusion moments after the fall, with several officers rushing to cordon off the area as emergency responders arrived. The identity of the victim has not yet been made public.

The incident has raised fresh questions about mental health awareness and workplace stress, especially in high-pressure government institutions. Some Kenyans online have called for the KRA to provide counselling services for both employees and clients who may have witnessed the ordeal.

In its statement, KRA also used the moment to remind the public to report any suspicious or concerning behavior to the nearest Tax Service Office, through the hotline 0711099999, or via the KRA iWhistle platform.

The authority emphasized the importance of community vigilance, saying such reports help prevent tragedies and ensure public safety.

The somber mood around the Lake Basin Mall lingered throughout the day as business operations temporarily came to a halt while investigators processed the scene.

This incident marks one of the most disturbing events at a government office in recent months — and has reignited conversations online about how public institutions handle crises and offer support to individuals in distress.

Recent statistics paint a grim picture of Kenya’s mental health crisis, with police data revealing a sharp increase in suicide cases. Between June and August 2025 alone, at least 462 people reportedly took their own lives — an average of five deaths every single day.

Men made up the overwhelming majority of victims, accounting for 83.5 percent of the cases, underscoring a growing mental health emergency that is hitting men the hardest. Those aged between 26 and 30 were the most affected, highlighting the immense social, economic, and psychological strain facing young adults in the country.

According to the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), Kenya’s age-standardized suicide rate stands at roughly 11 per 100,000 people. However, experts caution that stigma and widespread underreporting likely mean the real numbers are significantly higher.

In a landmark ruling earlier this year, High Court Judge Lawrence Mugambi struck down Section 226 of the Penal Code — the law that made attempted suicide a criminal offense — declaring it unconstitutional for breaching Articles 27, 28, and 43 of the Constitution.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out for help. Call the Kenya Red Cross toll-free hotline at 1199 for support.