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A General Service Unit (GSU) officer was fatally speared at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, October 13, 2025, raising urgent questions about security at Kenya's most fortified installation.
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer, Constable Ramadhan Mattanka, was tragically killed on Monday, October 13, 2025, at approximately 8:10 AM EAT, after being attacked by an intruder at State House Gate D in Nairobi. The 56-year-old assailant, identified as Kithuka Kimunyi, reportedly used a bow and arrow to fatally wound the officer in the chest. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, prompting immediate investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) into the motive and circumstances surrounding the security breach.
Witnesses reported that the attacker, disguised as a street dweller and carrying a sack concealing the weapon, approached Gate D, an entrance typically used for controlled public access. Despite being challenged to surrender, the suspect advanced and shot Constable Mattanka with an arrow. Fellow GSU officers swiftly subdued and arrested the assailant, who reportedly claimed during initial questioning that he had been "sent by Satan" to carry out the killing. Constable Mattanka, attached to the elite G Company responsible for State House security, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries due to severe bleeding.
The attack has ignited renewed concerns about the security protocols at State House, which is classified as a protected area under the Protected Areas Act. The General Service Unit plays a critical role in safeguarding the President, State Houses, and vital installations across Kenya. This incident marks a significant breach at one of Kenya's most heavily guarded locations.
Previous security incidents at State House include the arrest of 12 individuals in March 2025 who attempted a coordinated entry, and instances during the June 2024 Finance Bill protests where demonstrators in Nakuru vandalised a guardhouse near a State House. In 2019, a university student armed with a knife was shot while attempting to scale a State House wall. These events underscore the persistent challenges in maintaining impenetrable security at such a high-profile location.
Investigators are currently probing whether the attacker had any prior connection to the slain officer or if the assault was random. CCTV footage reportedly shows a 17-minute conversation between Constable Mattanka and the assailant, suggesting a possible acquaintance. Preliminary scrutiny of the officer's mobile phone indicates previous meetings between the two at different State House entrances. This detail has led detectives to consider theories of a fallout between associates or a deal gone wrong. Authorities are also assessing the suspect's mental state and any potential criminal or psychological history.
The incident occurred just hours before President William Ruto was scheduled to depart for Konza City in Machakos County, further highlighting the gravity of the security lapse. The National Police Service has condemned the "heinous act" and commended the swift response of the officers in apprehending the assailant.
The ongoing investigations are expected to shed more light on the motive behind the attack and any potential systemic security vulnerabilities. The National Police Service is anticipated to issue a comprehensive statement outlining preliminary findings. This incident may lead to a review and enhancement of security protocols at State House and other critical government installations across Kenya.
