By Rop Janet, KNA
A General Service Unit (GSU) officer who was fatally attacked outside State House, Nairobi, on Monday morning was on Tuesday evening laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Kajiado Town.
Police Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, who was guarding Gate D at State House, died after being struck by an arrow allegedly shot by Kithuka Kimunyi, a 56-year-old man who claimed he had been “sent by Satan.”
A post-mortem report held on Tuesday revealed that the arrow penetrated Matanka’s left seventh and eighth ribs, tore through his left lung, and punctured his heart, causing fatal internal bleeding. The officer who was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital succumbed while undergoing treatment.
Human rights activists led by Hussein Khalid called for justice for the slain officer, saying too many police officers were losing their lives in the line of duty.
“Why are police officers on duty losing their lives? This insecurity lapse must be addressed quickly. Every officer deserves protection while serving the nation, and justice must be served swiftly.” He said.
Family members, colleagues and friends who gathered in Kajiado for the burial, which was conducted according to Islamic rites, described Ramadhan as a disciplined, humble and dedicated officer who served the elite unit with honour.
The fallen officer was accorded full police honours, including a 21-gun salute, as colleagues saluted in his final send-off.
Judith Jerotich, the slain officer’s mother, urged authorities to speed up investigations, saying Ramadhan was her only child.
“Ramadhan was all I had. Why would someone kill my only child while he was on duty? I want justice for my baby,” she remarked.
The suspect, Mr Kimunyi, was arraigned at the Milimani Law Courts on Tuesday, where police sought more time to detain him as investigations continue. Detectives told the court that the suspect allegedly travelled from Makueni to Nairobi on Sunday night before launching the attack the following morning. He is expected to undergo a mental health evaluation.
The bizarre incident has reignited concerns over security at critical state installations and the safety of officers manning high-risk government facilities.
The National Police Service condemned the killing, describing it as a tragic loss to the force, and assured that thorough investigations will be conducted to establish the motive of the attack and ensure that the culprit faces the full force of the law.