Harrowing details have emerged about a shocking attack that left a General Service Unit (GSU) officer dead outside State House, Nairobi, on Monday, October 13. The officer, part of the elite team responsible for guarding the President’s residence, was speared to death in broad daylight by a man believed to be in his 50s.
According to police reports, the man concealed a spear inside a sack and approached the officers at Gate D—a clearance point used by vehicles and pedestrians entering the high-security compound. The attacker pretended to be a homeless man seeking help before striking the unsuspecting officer on the left side of his chest.
Witnesses were left in shock as the officer collapsed moments before his colleagues subdued the assailant. The wounded officer was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, but doctors confirmed he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Shocking Killing of GSU Officer Guarding State House
The incident has raised serious concerns about security protocols around the country’s most protected premises. Sources revealed that the attack happened just moments before President William Ruto was scheduled to leave for a visit to Konza City in Machakos County.
The brazen assault reportedly occurred when two other GSU officers were distracted while clearing a vehicle for entry. This gave the attacker the opportunity to unleash his weapon on the officer, catching the entire security team off guard.
Authorities say the suspect was immediately overpowered and arrested. Officers initially contemplated neutralising him on the spot but opted to detain him for interrogation. During questioning, the man allegedly told police he was “sent by Satan” to kill the officer—a statement that has left investigators probing his mental state and possible hidden motives.
Security experts have described the event as a rare and alarming breach, noting that State House’s perimeter is one of the most tightly guarded zones in the country. The attack, they argue, exposes possible vulnerabilities in security screening procedures, especially for individuals posing as destitute or non-threatening.
Officer’s Death Adds to Growing Safety Concerns
The shocking murder marks the second killing of a GSU officer within 24 hours, deepening public anxiety over the safety of officers on duty. A day earlier, another GSU officer was found dead after being strangled by a civilian at a hotel off Mombasa Road.
Reports indicate that the second officer had gone to the hotel to charge his phone when an altercation erupted between him and an unidentified man. According to a supervisor at the establishment, the suspect strangled the officer before fleeing the scene. The officer’s body was later discovered in a nearby water-filled trench.
The back-to-back deaths have prompted calls for an internal review within the GSU command structure. Senior officers are now under pressure to reassess how their personnel interact with civilians, particularly in off-duty or low-alert environments.
Investigations Underway into the State House Attack
Police have since launched a full-scale investigation to uncover the motive behind the State House attack. Preliminary findings suggest the assailant had been loitering around the area for several days before the incident. Investigators believe he might have been studying the officers’ movements and waiting for an opportune moment to strike.
Detectives are also examining whether the suspect acted alone or had external backing. His bizarre claim that he was “possessed” or “sent by Satan” has prompted psychiatric evaluations to determine his mental fitness for trial.
Meanwhile, sources within the security detail say morale among officers remains low following the death of their colleague. Many have expressed frustration, saying such attacks highlight the growing risks they face, even in what are supposed to be the country’s safest zones.
President Ruto’s office has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but insiders indicate that the Head of State has ordered a review of all entry-point procedures at State House and other VIP installations.
