NAIROBI, Oct 13 — A General Service Unit (GSU) officer on duty at State House, Nairobi, died on Monday after he was attacked with a spear outside Gate D, prompting heightened security as President William Ruto was inside the compound.
According to police, a 56-year-old man approached the checkpoint at about 11am and shot the officer in the chest. Colleagues at the gate subdued the suspect and handed him over to the police at Kilimani Police Station.
The motive of the attack was not immediately clear, but police say security has been heightened at State House.
The injured officer—attached to the GSU’s G Company—was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. His identity is being withheld until the next of kin are informed.
The incident occurred just as President William Ruto was preparing to leave for an official function at the Konza City in Machakos County, according to security sources.
Gate D is commonly used as a public access point during scheduled visits and serves as a security screening area before entry into the State House precincts.
Police Headquarters has not released an official statement about the incident or the president’s security.
Following the incident, officers tightened checks at the perimeter and restricted movement as investigators examined the scene.
Detectives have opened a homicide inquiry and are reviewing witness accounts to establish the suspect’s movements before the attack. An autopsy is expected to be conducted to determine the precise cause of death.
Police said further details would be released once preliminary findings are complete.
