Nairobi residents woke up to shocking news on Monday morning after a police officer was fatally shot with an arrow near State House, in what authorities have described as a bizarre and disturbing attack.

According to a statement from the National Police Service (NPS), the incident occurred at around 8:10 a.m. along Dennis Pritt Road, near State House Gate D, when a middle-aged man armed with a traditional bow and arrows attacked officers stationed at the security checkpoint.

The assailant, identified as a 56-year-old male, allegedly ignored repeated police warnings to surrender and instead advanced toward the officers before firing an arrow that struck Police Constable Ramadhan Mattanka in the ribs.

A Deadly Encounter Near One of Kenya’s Most Guarded Locations

The area surrounding State House, the official residence of the President, is one of the most heavily guarded zones in Kenya. Incidents of such nature are rare, making Monday’s attack both shocking and alarming for security agencies.

Witnesses reported seeing commotion and confusion as police tried to subdue the assailant, who appeared “determined and unafraid.”

“We saw a man holding a bow like something from the past century,” said a motorist who witnessed the incident. “At first, we thought it was a street performance or a misunderstanding, but within seconds, chaos broke out.”

Officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), who were nearby on duty, quickly overpowered and arrested the attacker, preventing what could have been a larger tragedy.

The Officer’s Final Moments

Constable Ramadhan Mattanka, described by colleagues as dedicated, disciplined, and cheerful, was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital immediately after being struck. Despite efforts by medics to stabilize him, he succumbed to his injuries while undergoing emergency treatment.

A somber mood engulfed the hospital as his colleagues and family arrived to confirm the heartbreaking news. His body was later transferred to the hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination.

“It is painful losing an officer in such a senseless way,” said a visibly emotional senior officer who visited the hospital. “Constable Mattanka died in the line of duty, serving his country, and we mourn him deeply.”

Police Condemn the Attack

In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Njaga condemned the attack, describing it as “heinous and unprovoked.”

“The National Police Service condemns this barbaric act and commends the officers on the ground for their swift and professional response, which prevented further harm,” read part of the statement.

Njaga added that investigations are ongoing to determine the motive behind the assault, and whether the attacker acted alone or was influenced by other factors.

Security experts have since raised questions about the mental state of the assailant, noting that bow-and-arrow attacks are uncommon in modern urban settings.

Questions Surround Motive and Security

Authorities are now working to piece together the motive of the 56-year-old suspect, whose identity has not yet been disclosed pending interrogation.

Preliminary reports suggest the man may have been distressed or mentally unstable, but police say they are not ruling out any possibilities, including intentional provocation or symbolic protest.

“We are treating this as an isolated incident, but we are digging deeper into the suspect’s background to understand what drove him to such extreme action,” said an investigator attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The attack has reignited concerns about public safety and the vulnerability of officers, even in high-security areas. It also raises questions about how the assailant managed to approach a guarded location armed with a lethal weapon without raising alarm earlier.

Public Reactions: Shock and Condolence

News of the officer’s death spread quickly across social media, sparking an outpouring of grief and outrage from Kenyans. Many expressed disbelief that such an attack could occur so close to State House, the seat of executive power.

“If a police officer can be killed right next to State House, what about the rest of us?” wrote one X (formerly Twitter) user. “This is heartbreaking and unacceptable.”

Others called for improved mental health interventions, suggesting that the suspect might have been suffering from psychological issues that went unchecked.

Remembering Constable Mattanka

Colleagues described Constable Mattanka as a young officer full of promise, serving faithfully in the NPS for several years. Known for his discipline and humility, he was often commended for his professionalism and teamwork.

“He was the kind of officer you could count on,” said a fellow constable who worked alongside him. “Always calm, always ready to help. His death is a big loss to the service and to his family.”

The NPS has promised to support Mattanka’s family with funeral arrangements and compensation, as part of the fallen officers’ welfare program.

A Nation in Mourning

As police continue to investigate the shocking attack, Kenyans are left grappling with questions about public safety, officer vulnerability, and mental health awareness in society.

For now, the stretch of Dennis Pritt Road where the incident occurred remains under tight security as forensic experts comb the scene for evidence.

Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Constable Ramadhan Mattanka — a man who gave his life protecting others in one of the safest zones in the country, only to fall victim to a weapon from a bygone era.