Abdirahman Haji
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer was fatally shot with an arrow on Monday morning outside State House, Nairobi, in an attack that has stunned the nation and raised serious security questions.
Police said Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, attached to GSU’s elite G-Company, was struck in the chest by an arrow fired by a man armed with a bow near Gate D along Dennis Pritt Road around 8:15 a.m.
The suspect, 56-year-old Kinyuka Kinyumi, allegedly disguised himself as a street dweller and concealed the weapon in a sack. Witnesses said he hid behind a flower bed before suddenly drawing his bow and shooting the officer as he conducted a routine vehicle inspection.
Despite warnings to surrender, the assailant reportedly advanced toward the officers before being overpowered and arrested at the scene.
Matanka was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. His body was taken to the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.
The National Police Service (NPS) condemned the “heinous and unprovoked” attack, praising the quick action of other officers that prevented further casualties.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Constable Ramadhan Matanka, who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty,” said NPS spokesperson Muchiri Njaga.
Senior officers, including Kilimani OCPD Patricia Yegon and DCI head Hussein Mahat, visited the scene and hospital alongside State House officials.
During questioning, Kinyumi reportedly claimed he had been “sent by Satan” to carry out the attack — a statement that has prompted a psychiatric evaluation. “He killed him, and he’s lucky to be alive himself,” said one officer involved in the probe.
Investigators are reviewing the suspect’s background and motives as he remains in custody at a Nairobi police station. Authorities have vowed a thorough investigation into the rare breach of security near one of Kenya’s most heavily guarded sites.
Constable Matanka was described by colleagues as a dedicated and disciplined officer who served with distinction. Tributes from across the security services have called for heightened vigilance and reinforced protection protocols in high-risk areas.