On a day that was supposed to be like any other at Kenya’s most heavily guarded address, a shocking act of violence has left the nation reeling and officials scrambling to explain a glaring security lapse. On Monday, October 13, 2025, outside the presidential office in Nairobi, a man disguised as a homeless person fatally stabbed a security officer with a bow and arrow—a method as unusual as it was deadly. The victim, identified as Ramadhan Hamisi Matanka, later died at a nearby hospital, according to multiple reports including the Associated Press and Devdiscourse.
The suspect, Kithuka Kimunyi, was arrested at the scene immediately after the attack. Police say Kimunyi approached the State House main gate under the guise of being destitute, catching the elite security detail off-guard in what is widely being called a major breach. The incident has sparked nationwide debate and concern, particularly because President William Ruto was inside his office at the time of the attack. The president’s office and residences are typically protected by an elite police squad, raising uncomfortable questions about how such an event could occur right under their noses.
As the dust settled, the focus quickly shifted from the tragic loss of Officer Matanka to the motivations and mental state of the alleged attacker. During his initial court appearance on Tuesday, October 14, Kimunyi appeared limping and claimed to have sustained a leg fracture during the incident. In a bizarre twist, he told authorities he had been "sent by the devil," a statement that led investigators to request a mental health assessment before any further legal proceedings could take place.
Judge Christine Njagi, presiding over the case, granted police an additional 14 days to hold Kimunyi while he undergoes both medical treatment and psychiatric evaluation. The judge ordered, "Kimunyi should first be taken to a hospital for treatment after he claimed to have sustained a leg fracture during the attack." The courtroom scene was tense, with Kimunyi’s limp and apparent distress only adding to the sense of unease surrounding the case.
The method of attack—a bow and arrow—has left many Kenyans stunned. In an era of high-tech security, the use of such a primitive weapon at the gates of the State House carries a certain symbolism. According to police statements reported by the Associated Press, Kimunyi "walked to the State House main gate disguised as a homeless person and stabbed a security officer in the chest using a bow and arrow." The officer was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
As news of the attack spread, criticism mounted over the effectiveness of the elite police squad tasked with protecting the president and other key government facilities. Many Kenyans took to social media and local radio programs to express their disbelief and frustration. After all, if a lone individual can breach security at the country’s most protected location, what does that say about the safety of other public institutions?
The police, for their part, have moved swiftly to assure the public that a thorough investigation is underway. They have also emphasized that the suspect will receive a full mental health assessment, given his statements and behavior in court. The judge’s decision to grant a two-week detention period is intended to allow investigators sufficient time to piece together the events leading up to the attack and to determine whether Kimunyi acted alone or as part of a broader conspiracy. As of now, authorities have not indicated any known relationship between the suspect and the victim.
President William Ruto, who was inside his office during the incident, has not made a public statement about the attack. However, the fact that the president was present has only heightened the sense of urgency and concern. The State House, a symbol of national stability and security, is not supposed to be vulnerable to such incidents—especially not while the head of state is inside. The elite squad responsible for presidential security is now under intense scrutiny, with both the public and lawmakers demanding answers.
Questions abound: How did Kimunyi manage to get so close to the main gate without being stopped? Was there a lapse in surveillance or protocol? Could this have been prevented with better training or equipment? These are the kinds of questions being debated in the corridors of power and on the streets of Nairobi alike. The attack has also reignited discussions about the broader issue of mental health in Kenya, particularly in the context of violent crime. Kimunyi’s claim that he was "sent by the devil" has prompted calls for more robust mental health services and better screening for individuals who may pose a risk to themselves or others.
According to Devdiscourse, the suspect "is slated to undergo mental health assessments," a step that legal experts say is crucial in determining his fitness to stand trial. If found unfit, Kimunyi could be committed to a psychiatric facility rather than facing criminal prosecution. If, on the other hand, he is deemed mentally competent, the case could proceed to trial on charges of murder and possibly other related offenses.
For now, the family of Officer Matanka is left to mourn a devastating loss, while the nation grapples with the implications of the attack. Security at the State House has reportedly been tightened in the aftermath, with additional checks and heightened vigilance. Yet the incident has exposed vulnerabilities that will not be easily forgotten—or, many argue, forgiven.
As the investigation continues and Kimunyi undergoes medical and psychiatric evaluations, Kenyans are left with a sense of unease. The attack has shattered assumptions about the invulnerability of the country’s highest office and forced a reckoning with uncomfortable truths about both security and mental health. The coming weeks will likely bring more details to light, but for now, the nation waits, watches, and wonders how such a breach could have happened—and what must be done to prevent another.
