A police officer was killed in a bizarre and brutal attack outside State House, Nairobi, on Monday morning.
Police Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka was fatally speared by a man armed with a bow and arrow while on duty along Dennis Pritt Road.
The attacker, identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, 56, reportedly struck at around 8:15 am as officers from the General Service Unit were conducting routine security checks on vehicles entering the premises.
According to a police report, the suspect suddenly drew a bow and shot the officer, hitting him in the left side of the chest. Constable Matanka sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he died while undergoing emergency treatment.
Witnesses said the assailant approached the gate disguised as a street dweller carrying a sack. He allegedly hid behind a flower bed before launching the fatal attack. Officers at the scene quickly subdued and arrested him.
Police sources said the suspect claimed he had been “sent by Satan” to carry out the assault.
Senior officers led by Kilimani police boss Patricia Yegon and DCI head Hussein Mahat visited the scene and the hospital as investigations began into the suspect’s background and motive.
Who Guards The President of Kenya?
The G-Company, a Presidential Guard Sub-Unit of the GSU, provides security for State Houses and lodges across the country.
The elite Recce Squad, a special operations arm within the GSU, is also involved in protecting the President, the First Family, and critical government installations.
The Presidential Escort Unit (PEU) handles the movement and close protection of the President and his family, often working closely with GSU officers. The PEU Commandant was recently appointed from within the unit.
Security at State House follows a multi-layered approach involving several national agencies. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) and regular police officers form part of the presidential security detail, particularly during travel.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) may be deployed to secure the President during high-risk events, while bomb disposal experts are also included in the protective protocols to ensure the safety of the Head of State.
