A tragic incident unfolded near State House, Nairobi, after a police officer was fatally attacked with a bow and arrow in what authorities describe as a shocking and unusual act of violence. The officer, who was on duty near the heavily guarded premises, succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack, triggering a massive security response in the area.
Highlights
- A police officer killed in a bow-and-arrow attack near State House, Nairobi.
- Security teams launch an immediate manhunt for the assailant.
- The officer sustained critical injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
- Authorities term the attack “rare and deliberate.”
- Investigation launched to determine motive and identity of the attacker.
Main Story
According to preliminary police reports, the officer was stationed on routine patrol near Processional Way, close to one of the perimeter zones of State House, when an unknown assailant struck him with a bow and arrow. The arrow reportedly pierced the officer’s chest, causing severe injuries.
Colleagues who heard his distress call rushed to his aid and immediately called for reinforcement. He was quickly evacuated to Nairobi Hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate him but were unable to save his life.
“It was a sudden, unexpected attack. The officer was hit from a short distance, and by the time backup arrived, the assailant had fled,” said a police source.
The rare weapon used in the assault a traditional bow and arrow has puzzled investigators, who say it’s uncommon for such an attack to occur in the heart of the city and so close to a top-security zone.
Moments after the incident, panic gripped the area as security forces sealed off roads leading to State House and launched an extensive search for the suspect.
Armed units from the General Service Unit (GSU), DCI officers, and the Presidential Escort Unit were deployed to sweep nearby residential and wooded areas, including Arboretum Drive and sections of State House Road.
Commuters and motorists were temporarily redirected as officers combed through the scene for evidence. Detectives recovered fragments of the arrow and other materials believed to have been used in the attack.
“This was not a random act. The suspect appeared to have planned the assault carefully,” a senior officer noted.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the case. Forensic teams have been analyzing the recovered weapon fragments and reviewing CCTV footage from nearby government installations and private buildings.
Authorities believe the attacker may have been familiar with the area and possibly monitored the officer’s patrol routine. The motive, however, remains unclear with police not ruling out the possibility of terrorism, mental instability, or a targeted revenge attack.
“Every angle is being explored. We are reviewing footage, speaking to witnesses, and tracing the movements of anyone spotted near the area before the attack,” a detective said.
Residents and workers around State House have also been questioned as part of ongoing investigations.
The slain officer was described as a disciplined and dedicated member of the Administration Police Service, attached to the security team that guards critical installations in the State House vicinity.
His colleagues have expressed shock at the manner in which he lost his life, describing him as calm, focused, and devoted to duty.
“He was a committed officer. It’s heartbreaking that he met his death in such a brutal way,” said a fellow officer who had worked with him for several years.
The National Police Service (NPS) is expected to release an official statement and provide details about his posting and family once next of kin are notified.
In the wake of the attack, security has been significantly tightened around State House and nearby government offices. Additional barriers have been erected, and officers are conducting increased patrols, especially during evening and night hours.
Authorities have warned residents and visitors in the area to comply with all security checks and report any suspicious activity immediately.
“This is an isolated incident, but we are not taking any chances. Our security teams are alert and working around the clock,” said a senior official from the Office of the President.
The bizarre nature of the attack has sparked widespread conversation across social media, with many Kenyans expressing shock over how an assailant managed to carry out such an assault so close to one of the country’s most secure premises.
Some users called for a review of the State House security perimeter, arguing that even traditional weapons can be used to exploit weak points in urban patrol routines.
“If an officer can be killed by a bow and arrow that close to State House, what does that say about our general security?” one user wrote.
Others mourned the fallen officer, praising Kenya’s security forces for their courage and service under demanding conditions.
While attacks involving bows and arrows are extremely rare in urban Kenya, police have occasionally recorded similar incidents in rural areas, often linked to local disputes or bandit attacks.
However, a fatal attack near a high-security zone such as State House has raised new concerns for the security establishment.
Experts believe this could prompt a review of patrol procedures, perimeter surveillance, and response times in the country’s top security installations.
“It’s not just about modern weapons — it’s about vigilance. The attack exposes how unconventional weapons can still pose a deadly threat,” said a retired security analyst.
Plans are underway for a police memorial service in honour of the fallen officer. His family, friends, and colleagues are expected to attend the ceremony, which will pay tribute to his service and sacrifice.
The National Police Service has promised to support his family and ensure a full investigation into the incident is completed.
“We mourn one of our own. His death will not be in vain. We are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice,” said the police spokesperson.
Read Also
A bow and arrow may seem like a weapon from another era yet, in a single, devastating act, it has reminded the nation of the unpredictability of modern security threats. The fallen officer’s courage stands as a solemn reminder of the risks borne daily by those who defend Kenya’s peace.
