A Nairobi court has ordered the detention of Kithuka Kimunyi, the suspect accused of shooting and killing a General Service Unit (GSU) officer with an arrow near State House on Monday, October 13. The suspect will be held for 14 days to allow police to conclude their investigation into the fatal assault.
Kimunyi was arraigned at the Kibera Law Court on Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the incident that led to the death of Police Constable Ramadhan Mattanka. The prosecution had initially requested a 21-day detention, but the judge revised the period to 14 days.
During the hearing, the court heard details of the attack. The suspect, who hails from Makueni County, reportedly embarked on his mission on Sunday evening, October 12. He allegedly approached the GSU officers at State House Gate D dressed in a manner suggesting mental instability. When asked to leave, the prosecution stated that Kimunyi attacked the officers with arrows, firing two.
One of the arrows fatally struck Constable Mattanka on the left side of his chest. The officer was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The detention was partly necessary because the suspect could not provide a verifiable place of residence, which the court agreed would hinder tracing efforts if he were released. Before his detention, the court directed that the visibly limping Kimunyi receive medical treatment for his injuries at the Mbagathi Hospital.
An autopsy report released on Tuesday confirmed that Constable Mattanka died from excessive bleeding caused by a wound consistent with an arrow. The pathologist further disclosed that the projectile went through the left seventh and eighth ribs, pierced the left lung, and punctured the heart.
