The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed the death of a General Service Unit Officer on October 13 during morning hours while guarding the State House.
In a statement, NPS Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also revealed the identity of the officer who lost his life in the unprecedented attack.
“The National Police Service (NPS) confirms a tragic incident which occurred this morning, Monday, 13th October 2025, at approximately 8:10 a.m., near State House Gate D in Nairobi,” said Muchiri.
The NPS Director of Corporate Communication added, “A 56-year-old man, armed with a bow and arrows, rapidly approached police officers stationed in the area. Despite being challenged to surrender, the suspect advanced on Police Constable Ramadhan Mattanka and shot him in the left ribs with an arrow.”
The attacker was swiftly subdued and arrested by other GSU officers on duty.
Also Read: Shock as GSU Officer Speared to Death Outside State House Gate
According to NPS, Constable Ramadhan Mattanka was rushed to the hospital but died while undergoing treatment.
“The injured officer was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he, unfortunately, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment.”
Mattanka’s body was preserved at KNH’s mortuary, pending a post-mortem examination. At the same time, NPS has launched an investigation to establish the motive behind the attack.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Constable Ramadhan Mattanka, who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty. The officer’s next of kin have been notified, and the Service stands in solidarity with them during this difficult time,” the statement read in part.
Men attempting to access the State House
The October 13, 2025, incident is not an isolated case.
While State House is a protected area guarded round the clock by elite officers mainly from GSU, the dreaded recce squad and the Presidential Escort, attempts have been made before to illegally access the installation, which is the President’s official residence.
In June 2025, during Gen Z protests, a group of youth attempted to access the State House but was repulsed with teargas by officers.
Also Read: How a Gardener Turned Bishop Built a Church at State House
In March 2025, at least a dozen youth attempted to access State House to have lunch with the President. They were arrested and later released, with the police downplaying any security threat.
In June 2019, Brian Kibet, a JKUAT student, climbed over the fence of State House near Gate B. He was shot in the shoulder. According to reports, Kibet was armed with a knife. He was hospitalized and charged. His family pleaded for leniency.
Another incident occurred in March 2017, when an unidentified man breached the perimeter fence of State House. At the time, then-President Uhuru Kenyatta was at a golf tournament. The man was shot dead by officers guarding the installation.
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