Engineer dies after jumping from KRA's second-floor office in Kisumu

A man died by suicide on Thursday morning at Lake Basin Mall in Kisumu, after jumping from the second floor of the building housing Kenya Revenue Authority offices.

Police identified the deceased as Juma Hanington Raburu, an assistant civil engineer employed by Gogni Rajope Construction Co. Ltd. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m., according to Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commander Bakari Mwanauli. 

Mr Raburu is reported to have arrived at the mall in a white Toyota Land Cruiser V8, parked the vehicle, and handed the keys to a security guard with instructions that his son should collect the car. He then proceeded to the upper floor and jumped, sustaining fatal injuries.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have launched an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death. While the motive remains unclear, unverified claims circulating online suggest Mr Raburu may have recently received a substantial tax assessment, reportedly amounting to Sh300 million. These claims have led to speculation that financial pressure may have played a role.

In response, the Kenya Revenue Authority issued a statement expressing condolences to Mr Raburu’s family and dismissing the allegations as unfounded. 

“KRA deeply regrets this incident and conveys heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the deceased,” the statement read. 

The agency added that it is cooperating fully with investigators. A KRA official, speaking anonymously, described the tax-related claims as “inaccurate and misleading.”

Mr Raburu was involved in large-scale infrastructure projects through his role at Gogni Rajope Construction Co. Ltd, a firm known for its work on major developments across Kenya, including partnerships with international organisations.