The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has strongly condemned the growing wave of violence and hostility directed at police officers across Kenya. This follows the brutal killing of Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, who was fatally attacked outside State House, Nairobi, on Monday morning.
In a statement, IPOA Chairperson Issack Hassan expressed deep concern over the recent surge in assaults against members of the National Police Service (NPS), incidents of property destruction, and loss of life. He cited recent attacks at State House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and Kiganjo Police Station in Kiambu County as examples of a worrying trend threatening national stability.
“At Kiganjo Police Station, part of the facility was set ablaze, destroying critical infrastructure and hindering operations,” Hassan said. “Such actions not only endanger police officers but also undermine public safety and ongoing police reforms.”
Hassan emphasized that attacks on law enforcement officers constitute outright lawlessness and could erode the progress made in improving accountability and professionalism within the police service.
The Authority extended its condolences to the families of officers who have recently lost their lives and urged security agencies to bring those responsible to justice swiftly. IPOA also appealed to Kenyans to exercise restraint and professionalism when interacting with law enforcement, stressing that any grievances against police conduct should be addressed through legally established channels.
The latest incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. when Constable Matanka, who was manning an entrance to State House, was fatally speared in the chest by a suspect identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, 56. The attacker, posing as a street dweller, hid behind a flower bed before launching the assault.
Police subdued and arrested the suspect, who bizarrely claimed he had been “sent by Satan” to commit the act. Investigations into his motive and mental state are ongoing.
