Kenyan officer killed in bow-and-arrow attack at gate of president’s residence
A Kenyan police officer stationed at one of the gates of the president’s official residence in the capital Nairobi died after being shot with an arrow, officials said.
Police said that on Monday morning, a 56-year-old man, armed with a bow and arrows, approached officers at the entrance to State House and was ordered to surrender. Instead, he moved forward and shot PC Ramadhan Matanka in the ribs.
The officer was immediately taken to hospital but died while receiving treatment, according to a police statement.
The attack raised questions about possible security breaches, as State House is one of Kenya’s most closely guarded locations.
PC Matanka’s body is now in a morgue and a post-mortem will take place at a later date.
An investigation is also underway to establish the motive for the attack.
Local media report that the dead policeman was among the vehicles controlling the entrance to State House.
The alleged attacker, who allegedly disguised himself as a homeless man carrying a bag concealing the weapons, was arrested following the attack.
Video footage, published Monday by Kenyan television channel NTV, shows a handcuffed man with visible injuries. He was in a police vehicle and was reportedly taken to hospital for treatment.
The man is expected to appear in court later on Tuesday, local media report.
“The National Police condemns this heinous act and commends the police officers for their quick response, which prevented further damage,” said police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
He sent his condolences to the family of the deceased police officer, stressing that he had “paid the ultimate price in the exercise of his duties”.
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