A shocking breach at State House, Nairobi, has exposed one of the most alarming security lapses in recent memory. On Monday morning, a lone man armed with a bow and arrows attacked officers guarding Gate D, fatally wounding a General Service Unit (GSU) officer.
The daring assault occurred while President William Ruto was reportedly within the compound, prompting an immediate lockdown. The incident has raised serious concerns about how a civilian, carrying crude weapons, managed to strike inside one of Kenya’s most fortified and tightly guarded premises.
Security Lapse at State House Raises Tough Questions
Investigations are underway after the early morning attack that left a GSU officer dead at the country’s most guarded compound. The assailant, identified only as Kithuka, 56, allegedly disguised himself as a street dweller to get close to State House.
According to police reports, the suspect arrived at around 8:10 a.m., carrying a large sack that concealed a bow and arrows. When challenged by officers, he was turned away but lingered near the gate. Moments later, he struck—launching a deadly arrow that hit Police Constable Ramadhan Mattanka in the ribs.
The officer was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.
How the Attacker Breached State House Security
Preliminary findings reveal that the attack happened at Gate D, a critical point where vehicles and individuals are screened before entry. Sources told The Informant Digital that Kithuka waited for an opening when two officers were busy clearing a vehicle at the checkpoint.
He hid behind another car before ambushing the officers. Despite being ordered to surrender, he continued his advance, drawing his weapon and firing. Within seconds, the scene turned chaotic, triggering a rapid response from other GSU officers stationed nearby.
They subdued and arrested the assailant before he could release another arrow. Police later recovered a small bundle of arrows hidden in his sack.
Investigators Question Security Readiness and Gaps
Police have launched a full-scale investigation into what they describe as a serious internal security failure. The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that a team of detectives is analyzing CCTV footage and questioning officers who were on duty at the time.
“The National Police Service condemns this heinous act and commends the officers for their swift response, which prevented further harm. An investigation is ongoing to establish the motive behind the attack,” read an NPS statement.
However, security experts and the public are raising deeper questions:
- How did a man carrying visible weapons get close enough to attack?
- Were there intelligence warnings ignored?
- Did lax screening or distraction among guards create an opening?
Analysts believe the incident exposes vulnerabilities in the country’s elite security units guarding top installations. “If someone with a primitive weapon can breach the perimeter, it means the system has loopholes that must be urgently reviewed,” said a retired security officer familiar with VIP protection protocols.
Calls for Accountability After the Tragic Breach
The killing of Constable Mattanka has triggered outrage and grief within the police service. Officers at the GSU headquarters described him as disciplined and dedicated. “He died protecting the nation’s seat of power,” said a senior officer who requested anonymity.
Meanwhile, the suspect remains in custody at Kilimani Police Station as investigators piece together his motive. Sources say he has not yet offered a coherent explanation for his actions, though police suspect possible mental instability or radicalization.
President Ruto’s security team has since reviewed access protocols at all State House gates, temporarily tightening screening procedures. Additional officers from the Recce Squad have been deployed to reinforce the perimeter.
Despite the swift response, many Kenyans remain uneasy. The idea that an armed intruder could breach one of the most secure facilities in the country has shaken public confidence in national security.
The security lapseat State House will likely trigger a broader audit of all high-security installations across the nation, from government offices to military barracks. For now, one thing is clear—Monday’s tragedy was not just an isolated attack but a wake-up call about the cracks within Kenya’s most trusted security apparatus.
