The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has raised alarm over what it described as a worrying increase in violent attacks on police officers across the country, warning that such confrontations could reverse gains made in security and policing reforms.
In a statement on Monday, IPOA expressed concern about recent incidents where officers have been attacked, police stations vandalised, and property destroyed. The oversight body noted that the trend threatens both public safety and the integrity of the police service.
IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan pointed to the attacks at State House in Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Kiganjo Police Station in Kiambu County as clear examples of this growing problem. At Kiganjo, a section of the station was torched, crippling operations and damaging key equipment.
“Attacking police officers not only constitutes lawlessness but also undermines the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms. It risks eroding hard-won progress in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing,” Hassan said in the statement.
The Authority urged Kenyans to refrain from acts of aggression against police officers and to respect the rule of law, reminding the public that there are proper channels for addressing grievances about police conduct.
“IPOA therefore urges the public to uphold the rule of law and to seek redress through legally established channels in instances of police misconduct,” Hassan stated.
He also sent condolences to families of officers who have lost their lives in recent attacks and asked law enforcement agencies to move swiftly to apprehend and prosecute those involved.
The statement came after a police officer, Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, was fatally attacked outside State House, Nairobi.
A report filed by police shows that the officer was speared with an arrow by a man identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, 56, during routine morning duties at the gate along Dennis Pritt Road.
The incident happened at about 8:15 am as General Service Unit officers were inspecting vehicles entering the premises. The attacker suddenly drew his weapon and shot the officer in the chest. Matanka was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but succumbed to his injuries while undergoing emergency treatment.
Other officers quickly subdued and arrested the suspect, who remains in custody as detectives investigate his motive. According to officers at the scene, the man claimed that he had been sent by Satan to commit the act.
“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 one officer familiar with the case.
Witnesses recounted that the attacker disguised himself as a homeless man carrying a sack that concealed a spear.
He reportedly hid behind a flower bed near the entrance before pulling out the weapon and attacking the officer, who was inspecting a vehicle at the time.
The fatal assault has renewed discussions on the dangers police officers face while on duty and the need for the public to cooperate with security agencies.
IPOA has called for restraint, warning that rising hostility toward law enforcement risks undermining peace and order across the country.