A wave of shock and grief has swept through Kakamega County following the brutal killing of a female teacher and businesswoman who was shot dead shortly after withdrawing Ksh 200,000 from the Co-operative Bank branch in Mumias.
The victim, identified as Roselyda Akinyi, a teacher at Khaunga Secondary School, was ambushed and fatally shot on the evening of Thursday, April 17, near Ekero, just a short distance from Mumias town. According to eyewitnesses and police sources, she had just completed a banking transaction at the Co-operative Bank when she was trailed by armed assailants.
The attackers, suspected to have followed her in a small vehicle, struck while Akinyi was on her way home, shooting her at close range and escaping with the cash.
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MP Salasya Speaks Out
Mumias East Member of Parliament Peter Salasya condemned the killing in the strongest terms, terming it a shocking and painful loss to the community.
“I want to condemn the tragic incident that occurred yesterday, where a teacher and businesswoman was shot and killed after withdrawing money from Co-operative Bank in Mumias. It appears she was tracked from the bank all the way to where the attackers executed their plan,” Salasya said in a video shared on his social media platforms.
He urged the police to act swiftly in bringing the perpetrators to book, warning that the pattern of the attack suggests a possible organized gang operating in the region.
“We are aware that a particular firearm has been used in several recent robbery incidents in this area. I’m calling on the police to move with speed and apprehend those responsible,” he added.
Questions Raised About Bank Security
Salasya also expressed concern about the possibility of insider collusion within financial institutions, suggesting that some staff members might be leaking information to criminals.
“These people are also colluding. I want to question the banks—why aren’t they concerned about their employees’ and customers’ welfare? They’re handling millions of shillings, yet they’re being paid peanuts,” he said.
The MP called on Co-operative Bank and other financial institutions in the region to tighten internal security protocols and ensure customer transactions, especially involving large sums of money, are better protected.
Community in Mourning
Roselyda Akinyi’s death has sparked outrage and sorrow among her colleagues, students, and residents of Mumias. She was known not only as a dedicated educator but also as an entrepreneur who supported her community.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward.