A disturbing incident outside State House, Nairobi, has drawn widespread concern after a General Service Unit officer was killed in a brutal attack.
The officer, who was part of the team responsible for protecting the President’s residence, lost his life after being speared by a man believed to be in his fifties.
The attack happened in broad daylight on Monday, October 13, leaving many questioning how such an event could occur in one of the most secure places in the country.
According to police reports, the suspect had hidden a spear inside a sack and approached Gate D, an entry point used by both vehicles and pedestrians.
Pretending to be a homeless man in need of help, he managed to get close enough to the officers before pulling out the weapon and striking one of them in the chest.
The sudden attack caught everyone by surprise, and the officer fell to the ground as his colleagues quickly subdued the man.
The injured officer was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, but doctors confirmed that he died shortly after arrival due to the severe injuries he sustained.
The attack happened only moments before President William Ruto was expected to leave for an official visit to Konza City in Machakos County. Initial reports suggest that two other officers were momentarily distracted while clearing a vehicle for entry, allowing the attacker to act without immediate suspicion.
Authorities managed to arrest the man on the spot and took him in for questioning. During interrogation, he reportedly claimed that he was “sent by Satan” to carry out the act, a statement that has raised questions about his mental stability and motives.
Investigators are now looking into the suspect’s background to determine whether he acted alone or was influenced by someone else.
Early findings indicate that he had been seen loitering around the area for several days before the incident, suggesting the attack may have been premeditated.
Security experts have described the incident as a serious breach, noting that State House is considered one of the most secure government facilities in Kenya.
They warn that the event exposes potential weaknesses in how security personnel screen and handle individuals who appear harmless or vulnerable.
The tragedy has come at a time when morale among officers is already low. Just a day before the State House attack, another GSU officer was found dead after being strangled by a civilian at a hotel along Mombasa Road.
The officer had reportedly gone to the hotel to charge his phone when an argument broke out. His body was later discovered in a nearby trench, sparking further alarm about the safety of law enforcement officers.
The two killings within such a short period have led to public concern and calls for a review of security operations within the GSU. Senior officials are said to be under pressure to strengthen internal protocols and improve how officers engage with civilians.
Investigations into both cases are ongoing, and police are exploring every possible lead to understand what drove the attacks.
While President Ruto’s office has yet to release an official statement, sources close to State House suggest that the President has directed a review of all entry-point procedures. The move is expected to help identify gaps that may have allowed the attack to happen and ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
The death of the officer has not only left his colleagues mourning but also reminded the country of the daily risks faced by security personnel tasked with protecting national leaders and critical installations.
Add Comment