IPOA condemns rising attacks on police officers after constable is killed outside State House

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has expressed serious concern over an alarming increase in attacks and hostility directed at members of the National Police Service, stressing that such acts threaten both public safety and the progress of policing reforms.

In a statement released on Monday, IPOA said recent episodes of violence, destruction of police property, and loss of life paint a troubling picture of growing tension between some members of the public and law enforcement officers.

IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan pointed to a series of incidents at State House in Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and Kiganjo Police Station in Kiambu County as examples of this disturbing trend.

At Kiganjo, part of the police station was set on fire, damaging key infrastructure and affecting the ability of officers to operate effectively in the area.

Issack Hassan said these attacks not only endanger the lives of officers but also undermine efforts to maintain order and enforce the law.

“Attacking police officers not only constitutes lawlessness but also undermines the spirit and intent of ongoing police reforms. It risks eroding hard-won progress in enhancing accountability and professionalism in policing,” he said.

The Authority extended its condolences to families who have lost loved ones in recent attacks and called on security agencies to swiftly investigate and apprehend the perpetrators. IPOA also urged the public to exercise restraint and professionalism when interacting with law enforcement personnel.

The IPOA boss reminded Kenyans that concerns about police conduct should be reported through proper legal channels.

“IPOA therefore urges the public to uphold the rule of law and to seek redress through legally established channels in instances of police misconduct,” he emphasised.

The latest incident involved Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, who was killed outside State House in Nairobi. According to police reports, Matanka was fatally speared by a man identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, 56, while performing his morning duties at the entrance along Dennis Pritt Road.

The attack occurred at about 8:15 am as officers from the General Service Unit were conducting routine vehicle inspections. The suspect suddenly drew a bow and shot an arrow that struck Matanka in the chest. He was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital but died while receiving emergency treatment.

The assailant was quickly subdued and taken into custody by officers at the scene. Investigations are ongoing to establish his motive and identity.

Authorities say the suspect claimed he had been “sent by Satan” to carry out the attack. “This man claims he was sent by Satan to attack the police officer. He killed him, and he is lucky to be alive himself,” said one officer familiar with the case.

Witnesses recounted that Kinyumi approached the scene disguised as a street resident carrying a sack that concealed the weapon. He hid behind a flower bed before drawing the spear and fatally attacking the officer, who was checking a car entering the State House compound along with two colleagues.

The incident has reignited concerns about the risks police officers face while on duty and the need for the public to cooperate with law enforcement. IPOA called for calm and respect for the law, stressing that violence against police undermines security and public trust.

Other Topics To Read

• National
• IPOA
• Issack Hassan
• kenya police officers
• policing reforms
• Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka
• IPOA condemns rising attacks on police officers after constable is killed outside State House
• Headlines