A Kenyan police officer guarding one of the gates to the president’s official residence in Nairobi has died after being shot with an arrow in a shocking attack that has raised deep concerns about security at one of the country’s most protected locations.
According to police, the incident occurred early Monday morning when a 56-year-old man armed with a bow and arrows approached officers on duty at the State House gate. The officers ordered him to surrender, but instead, he advanced toward them and fired an arrow that struck Police Constable Ramadhan Matanka in the ribs. The injured officer was immediately rushed to hospital, but doctors were unable to save his life.
In a statement issued after the incident, police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga described the attack as a senseless act of violence and expressed condolences to the family and colleagues of the slain officer. “The National Police Service condemns this heinous act and commends the officers for their swift response, which prevented further harm,” he said. “PC Matanka paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
The killing has shocked Kenyans and prompted urgent questions about how an armed individual was able to get so close to State House, the official residence of President William Ruto and one of the most heavily guarded sites in the country. Police sources say the attacker had disguised himself as a homeless man and was carrying a sack that concealed his weapons. When confronted by security officers, he refused to stop and launched the fatal attack.
The suspect was quickly subdued and arrested after a brief struggle. He sustained injuries during his arrest and was later taken to hospital under police guard. Local media, including NTV Kenya, aired footage showing the handcuffed man with visible wounds sitting in a police vehicle. He is expected to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges connected to the attack.
Police have opened a full investigation to determine the motive behind the assault. Preliminary reports suggest the man may have acted alone, but authorities are examining whether there were any accomplices or deeper intentions behind the attack. A post-mortem examination will be conducted to confirm the exact cause of Constable Matanka’s death.
Colleagues of the fallen officer described him as a disciplined and dedicated policeman who served with distinction. He had reportedly been part of the team responsible for screening vehicles and visitors entering State House at the time of the attack. His death has left fellow officers in shock and mourning, with many calling for stronger security checks and tighter surveillance around key government facilities.
The National Police Service has vowed to review security protocols following the incident, insisting that no breach of the inner compound occurred and that President Ruto was never in danger. Still, many Kenyans have voiced concern over how such a crude weapon could be used so effectively in a high-security zone.
Tributes have poured in from across the country for Constable Matanka, who is being remembered as a brave officer who gave his life in service to his nation. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by police authorities in consultation with his family.
The tragic event has underscored the risks faced by Kenya’s security officers and the unpredictable nature of their duties. As investigations continue, the nation mourns a fallen officer and awaits answers to how an attack of this nature could unfold at the very heart of Kenya’s power.
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