Ofure Akhigbe
A Kenyan police officer has died after being shot with an arrow at one of the gates of the president’s official residence in Nairobi, in a rare and shocking security incident.
According to police reports, the attack occurred on Monday morning when a 56-year-old man, armed with a bow and arrows, approached officers manning the State House gate. The suspect was ordered to surrender but instead fired an arrow, striking Police Constable Ramadhan Matanka in the ribs.
PC Matanka was rushed to hospital but died while undergoing treatment. His body has been moved to a mortuary, and a post-mortem examination is scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
Police said the assailant had disguised himself as a homeless man and carried the weapons concealed in a sack. He was subdued and detained following the attack.
Video footage aired by NTV Kenya on Monday showed the suspect handcuffed, with visible injuries, inside a police vehicle. He was reportedly being taken to hospital for treatment and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
The attack has sparked questions over possible security lapses at the State House — one of Kenya’s most secure government facilities.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous act,” and commended the officers for their swift response, which prevented further harm. He extended condolences to the family of the slain officer, noting that Matanka “paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.”
An investigation is underway to determine the motive behind the assault.