Tag: State house news

Suspect Who Killed GSU Officer With An Arrow Detained For 14 Days

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

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.

Policing Reforms Threatened By Alarming Rise In Attacks On Officers, IPOA Warns

Posted on by Dennis Elnino

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has voiced grave concern over a troubling surge in attacks and hostility directed at members of the National Police Service (NPS). In a statement released on Monday, IPOA emphasized that this alarming trend poses a significant threat to both public safety and the ongoing progress of crucial policing reforms.

IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan highlighted recent acts of violence, destruction of police property, and the loss of officers’ lives as evidence of mounting tension between certain members of the public and law enforcement.

Incidents Underscore Disturbing Trend

Mr. Hassan cited several disturbing incidents, including A series of attacks near State House in Nairobi, incidents at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) & the torching of a section of the Kiganjo Police Station in Kiambu County, which damaged key infrastructure and hampered local police operations.

Hassan stressed that these violent acts not only endanger officers but also severely undermine efforts to maintain law and order.

“Attacking police officers not only constitutes lawlessness but also undermines the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms,” he stated. “It risks eroding hard-won progress in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing.”

Constable Fatally Attacked at State House

The most recent and tragic incident involved the death of Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, who was fatally attacked while on morning duty outside State House along Dennis Pritt Road.

According to police reports, at approximately 8:15 am, Matanka was conducting routine vehicle inspections with two colleagues when a 56-year-old man, identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, abruptly approached. Disguised as a street resident and concealing his weapon in a sack, the assailant hid behind a flower bed before drawing a bow and shooting an arrow that struck the officer in the chest.

Constable Matanka was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while undergoing emergency treatment.

The assailant was quickly apprehended by officers at the scene and taken into custody. Authorities reported that the suspect claimed he was “sent by Satan” to carry out the attack. Investigations are currently underway to establish his motive.

Call for Calm and Legal Redress

IPOA offered its condolences to the families of those who have lost loved ones and urged security agencies to swiftly investigate and arrest all perpetrators of violence against police officers.

The Authority reminded the public of the importance of the rule of law, urging citizens to exercise restraint and professionalism during interactions with law enforcement. IPOA stressed that any concerns about police misconduct must be reported through established legal channels.

“IPOA therefore urges the public to uphold the rule of law and to seek redress through legally established channels in instances of police misconduct,” the chairperson emphasized. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the daily risks faced by police officers and the critical need for public cooperation to ensure both security and trust.