An autopsy has confirmed that State House General Service Unit officer Ramadhan Khamis Matanka died from severe bleeding after being struck by an arrow that pierced his ribs, lung, and heart.
The examination took place at Kenyatta National Hospital mortuary with police and family members present. Matanka was laid to rest in Kajiado County, while human rights activists called for justice over the fatal attack.
Kithuka Musyimi, the suspect in the case, appeared in Kibra Law Courts on Tuesday as police requested 14 days of custody to continue investigations.
He faces charges of attacking the security officer stationed at State House Gate D along Dennis Pritt Road in a rare and deadly assault. Court documents, filed by Inspector Bashir Boya, state that Musyimi was armed with a bow and arrows.
"The respondent, who was armed with a bow and arrows that he had concealed in a blue sack, posing as a street dweller, advanced towards the GSU officer manning the search barrier, one Ramadhan Khamisi," the documents said. “He threw two spears; the second one got to the officer Ramadhan, after which they were able to apprehend the suspect,” Boya testified.
Matanka was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but could not be saved. Investigations are ongoing, including reviewing CCTV footage, analyzing the weapons, conducting a psychiatric evaluation, and checking phone records to determine if others were involved.
The court ordered that Musyimi be held until October 28, 2025, while also directing that he receive treatment for a leg injury at Mbagathi Hospital. He appeared frail and limping in court and will have access to his family and legal counsel during detention.
Police disclosed that the suspect claimed he had been sent by Satan to attack the officer.
“This man claims he was sent by Satan to attack the police officer. He killed him, and he is lucky to be alive himself,” an officer said. Investigators said Musyimi traveled from his home in Mwingi, Kitui County, carrying a sack and covered with a shuka before confronting the officers.
Security footage showed him engaging three officers from GSU’s G Company, who protect State House and all state lodges. He was initially denied entry and instructed to leave but removed his bow and arrow behind a flower before shooting Matanka, who fell backward.
Colleagues rushed to help him, while the suspect attempted to escape but fell and was restrained with his weapons.
The attack happened as Matanka and two other officers were inspecting a vehicle at the State House gate. President Ruto was inside preparing to depart for an event in Konza City.
Police continue to interrogate the suspect to gather more information on his background. He is undergoing psychiatric evaluation and treatment for his leg injury.
The incident occurred hours after another GSU officer was killed near Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, underscoring growing security concerns.
State House and lodges, including the president’s residences, are guarded by GSU’s G Company and the Presidential Escort Unit, responsible for ensuring the president and his family’s safety.