Case Overview

The Kenyan public is still awaiting justice in the murder case of Police Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer who was killed while on duty at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, October 13, 2025. The suspect, Kithuka Kimunyi Musyimi, was swiftly arrested at the scene but the subsequent legal proceedings have hit a significant standstill, raising urgent questions about the efficiency and integrity of the judicial process in high-security matters. The case, which began with a shocking breach of presidential security, is now a stark example of the broader challenges crippling Kenya's courts.

The Incident at State House Gate D

On the morning of October 13, 2025, PC Matanka was attacked while manning Gate D on Dennis Pritt Road, an entrance reserved for presidential staff and designated visitors. Initial police reports stated that the assailant, who was posing as a street dweller, attacked the officer with a bow and arrow concealed in a sack. PC Matanka sustained a fatal wound to the chest and was pronounced dead after being rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital. However, subsequent investigations and reviews of CCTV footage by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) suggested a more complex scenario. The footage reportedly showed the suspect, Mr. Musyimi, and PC Matanka engaged in a conversation for approximately 17 minutes inside the security booth before the attack, indicating a possible prior acquaintance. This revelation shifted the investigation's focus towards understanding the relationship between the two men and the motive behind the killing.

Why the Case Has Stalled

Despite the prompt arrest and arraignment of Mr. Musyimi at the Kibera Law Courts, where detectives were initially granted 14 days to conclude their investigation, the trial has failed to progress meaningfully. Several factors, common within the Kenyan justice system, appear to be contributing to the delay:

• Witness Availability and Security: A primary cause for delays in many Kenyan murder trials is the failure of prosecution witnesses to appear in court. This can be due to intimidation, logistical challenges, or a lack of faith in the witness protection system. In high-profile cases, especially those involving state security, witnesses may fear for their safety, leading to reluctance to testify. Kenya's witness protection framework has been described by civil society groups and judicial bodies as underfunded and inadequate, which compromises its ability to secure testimony in sensitive cases like murder and corruption.
• Investigative and Procedural Delays: The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has been cited in other cases for delays in bringing cases to trial, sometimes taking years to present witnesses. A 2014 Judiciary survey identified the unpreparedness of parties, including police and lawyers, as accounting for nearly 45% of case delays. In the Matanka case, the need for a mental assessment of the suspect, as requested by investigators, and the thorough processing of forensic evidence and CCTV footage are critical steps that can prolong the pre-trial phase.
• Overburdened Court System: Kenya's judiciary is notoriously overburdened, with a significant backlog of cases that slows down the entire legal process. A shortage of judges and insufficient resources contribute to lengthy delays, eroding public trust and denying timely justice to victims and the accused alike. High-profile cases often compete for limited judicial time, and frequent adjournments for various reasons are common.

Broader Implications for Kenya

The stalling of this case has significant implications beyond the courtroom. The murder of an officer within the precincts of State House is a matter of grave national security. The failure to secure a swift and transparent trial sends a worrying message about the state's ability to protect its own security personnel and prosecute crimes that occur at the highest seat of power. It feeds a public perception of impunity and undermines confidence in the criminal justice system. The ODPP, under Director Renson Ingonga, has recently launched initiatives aimed at reducing case backlogs through strategies like plea bargaining and public sensitization, but the impact of these reforms is yet to be fully realized. For the family of PC Matanka and a concerned Kenyan public, the delay represents a denial of justice and accountability. The resolution of this case is a critical test for the nation's judicial and security apparatus, with its outcome likely to influence public trust and the handling of sensitive criminal cases for years to come.