A General Service Unit (GSU) officer stationed at State House, Nairobi, was killed on Monday morning in a shocking attack by a man armed with a spear.
The attack took place outside Gate D, an entrance often used by members of the public attending official events at the State House complex. Police reported that the incident occurred around 11 a.m. while the officer, who was attached to the elite G Company, was on duty alongside colleagues conducting routine vehicle checks.
According to witnesses, the attacker – identified as 56-year-old Kinyuka Kinyumi – approached the area pretending to be a street dweller. He was carrying a sack that concealed a spear. Kinyumi reportedly hid behind a flower bed, drew out the weapon, and attacked the unsuspecting officer.
The officer and two other colleagues were checking a vehicle entering the compound at the time. The spear hit the left side of his chest, inflicting serious injuries. His colleagues took him to Kenyatta National Hospital immediately but doctors confirmed he was dead upon arrival after he lost a lot of blood.
Police officers at the scene overpowered and arrested the assailant, who was taken into custody as authorities investigate his motive.
According to police reports, the suspect claimed he had been “sent by Satan” to carry out the attack. He allegedly told investigators that he walked to State House under Satan’s instructions.
“This man claims he was sent by Satan to attack the police officer. He killed him, and he is lucky to be alive himself,” said an officer familiar with the case.
Authorities are now working to assess the suspect’s mental state and determine whether he has any prior criminal or psychological history.
The attack sparked brief panic within the State House compound, especially since President William Ruto was inside the premises preparing to leave for an official engagement in Konza City, Machakos County.
In response, security around State House was immediately tightened, with officers reinforcing all entry and exit points as investigations got underway.
Kilimani Sub-County Police Commander Patricia Yegon and DCI Kilimani boss Hussein Mahat visited both the scene and the hospital as detectives from multiple agencies launched a homicide investigation.
While the motive behind the shocking mid-morning assault remains unclear, investigators are exploring whether the attacker had any prior connection to the slain officer or if the incident was a random act of violence.
