M-Pesa shop attendant shot dead as robbers steal Ksh. 800,000 in Busia

Residents of Mundika, on the outskirts of Busia town, are living in fear following the fatal shooting of an M-Pesa shop attendant by armed robbers on Monday evening.

The 25-year-old victim - Isaac Bunyasi - was reportedly shot outside his shop at around 7pm at Mundika market. Witnesses say the attackers then fired shots indiscriminately, causing panic among traders and members of the public who fled the scene. The robbers made away with approximately KSh800,000 in cash.

According to reports, the two assailants were armed with AK-47 rifles and escaped on an unregistered motorcycle along the Busia–Adungosi road. They are believed to have crossed into neighbouring Uganda through a nearby informal route.

The incident has sparked outrage among residents and local leaders, who have condemned the killing and accused security agencies of negligence, citing a recent rise in robberies and violent attacks in the area.

Bukhayo West ward representative Peter Taalam described the incident as deeply troubling, noting that it occurred while President William Ruto was in Nasewa, about four kilometres away, as part of his Western Kenya tour. He questioned the adequacy of security arrangements in the region.

Residents have also called for the immediate transfer of police officers stationed at Esikulu and Mabatini Korinda camps, arguing that security in Mundika has significantly deteriorated in recent days.