A tragic incident has sent shockwaves through Mumias town as investigators delve into the brutal murder of a local teacher who was attacked shortly after withdrawing a substantial sum from the Cooperative Bank.

Authorities have identified four persons of interest in the case, including two bank tellers who served the victim, Roseylda Akinyi, before her untimely death. The investigation has revealed that the victim died from knife wounds rather than gunshot injuries as initially reported.

According to Western Regional Criminal Investigation Officer Njeru Nthiga, “We have two suspects who were in the bank and they were seen engaging a bank teller at the loan section and a bank security guard.”

CCTV footage obtained from the Cooperative Bank clearly shows the suspects monitoring the deceased while pretending to be on their phones. One suspect reportedly inquired about a non-existent loan, while another engaged a security guard claiming money had been sent to an incorrect number—tactics investigators believe were used to buy time while waiting for Akinyi to complete her withdrawal of Sh285,000.

“The suspects are seen suspiciously looking at the deceased, and if they are not the killers or scouts for killers, they should direct us to the perpetrators,” Nthiga stated.

The attack occurred less than a kilometer from the Cooperative Bank when Akinyi was waylaid by assailants in a saloon car. Medical examination revealed she was stabbed with a sharp, long knife that entered through the left side of her chest, severed the right aorta of her heart, and exited through her right ribs.

Investigators are pursuing multiple angles, including the possibility that bank personnel may have been involved. “When you make a bulk withdrawal, bank tellers can set you up, or a bank guard, or maybe the suspects might see the kind of withdrawal and decide to trail you,” explained the detective.

The investigation also extends to the boda boda operator who transported the victim, despite reportedly being a relative. Authorities have obtained the deceased’s mobile phone for further analysis.

Officials have clarified that this incident is unrelated to the recent disappearance of three firearms from police stations in the region.

The Cooperative Bank has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, but sources indicate that management is fully cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation.