Another life has been lost in the Presidential Escort Unit, once again raising concerns about the health and welfare of police officers working in high-pressure environments.
On Tuesday, April 22, a police sergeant collapsed and died suddenly while trying to board a government vehicle.
The officer, who was on active duty at the time, was quickly taken to Karen Hospital. However, he was declared dead on arrival.
This shocking incident has left many asking if enough is being done to protect those who protect the nation.
Sudden Death in the Presidential Escort Unit Alarms the Nation
The officer who passed away served in the elite Presidential Escort Unit. This unit is responsible for protecting Kenya’s president, deputy president, their families, and former heads of state.
Officers in this team undergo rigorous training and are constantly under pressure to perform at the highest level. Despite this, the system does little to shield them from the stress that comes with the job.
On the morning of April 22, the officer was in the company of a colleague when he suddenly collapsed while boarding a government vehicle assigned to their unit.
His team acted swiftly and rushed him to Karen Hospital. But their efforts came too late. Doctors at the hospital confirmed he had already passed away. The exact cause of death remains unknown.
Medical experts suggest that sudden deaths like this one are often linked to undiagnosed heart conditions. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause, especially in adults working in high-stress jobs.
Fatigue, long hours, and mental strain increase the risk. These are all daily realities for officers in the Presidential Escort Unit.
This case is part of a disturbing trend. Officers dying while on duty or shortly after collapsing is becoming more common.
Just weeks before this incident, a man named Komora Mubadi Jilo also collapsed and died. He was waiting for an interview at the Public Service Commission (PSC) offices in Nairobi when he suddenly fell and could not be revived.
Komora had previously served as a Member of Parliament for Garsen and was a candidate for the chairperson position at the National Police Service Commission.
Both deaths have brought renewed attention to how the government handles the health and welfare of police officers and other public servants.
Many now believe that the system needs urgent reforms to protect those serving the country, especially those in high-risk units like the Presidential Escort Unit.
Stress and Fatigue May Be Silent Killers in Law Enforcement
The officer’s death mirrors other similar incidents in recent months. In October 2024, a female police officer working at Muungano Police Station died in her home after a seizure.
She had been with her husband when the seizure struck without warning. Like in the Karen case, there was no prior sign of illness.
All these events suggest a larger pattern — that officers may be falling through the cracks of Kenya’s healthcare system.
Many serve in silence, carrying heavy mental loads while facing real dangers daily. Yet, regular medical checkups, mental health support, and wellness programs are still lacking.
Sudden deaths, whether on the job or at home, should not be taken lightly. They call for immediate action. Kenya cannot afford to lose more officers simply because their well-being is not prioritized.
The Presidential Escort Unit, given its special role and intense duties, deserves better medical care, regular screenings, and mental health support.
As investigations into the sergeant’s death continue, his colleagues and family are left mourning a man who dedicated his life to serving the country. His passing is not just a personal loss — it’s a wake-up call.
