The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has condemned the growing cases of violence and hostility directed at members of the National Police Service (NPS) by sections of the public.
In a statement on Monday, IPOA said it was deeply concerned by recent incidents in which police officers were assaulted, police property destroyed, and lives lost.
IPOA chairperson Issack Hassan cited attacks at State House, Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), and Kiganjo Police Station in Gatundu, Kiambu County, as examples of what it termed a worrying trend.
At Kiganjo Police Station, a section of the facility was set ablaze, destroying critical infrastructure and disrupting law enforcement operations in the area.
He said such actions not only endanger police officers but also undermine efforts to maintain public safety and order.
“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 condolences to the families of officers who lost their lives in the recent incidents and urged security agencies to move swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice.
IPOA appealed to Kenyans to exercise restraint and professionalism when dealing with law enforcement officers.
Hassan reminded Kenyans that grievances against police conduct should be addressed through legally established 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.”
In the latest incident, a police officer identified as Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka was killed in a morning attack outside State House, Nairobi.
According to a police report, Matanka was fatally speared with an arrow by a suspect, identified as Kinyuka Kinyumi, 56, on Monday morning while manning the entrance to the facility along Dennis Pritt Road.
The incident occurred at around 8:15 am as officers from the General Service Unit (GSU) were conducting routine security checks on vehicles entering the premises, the police report said.
According to the police report filed, the attacker suddenly drew a bow and shot the officer, striking him in the left side of the chest.
The officer sustained critical injuries and was rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital, where he succumbed while undergoing emergency treatment.
The suspect was quickly subdued and arrested by other officers at the scene. He is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue into his motive and identity.
Earlier, the suspect claimed to have been sent by Satan to attack the officer.
“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 an officer aware of the developments.
Witnesses said the suspect walked to the scene posing as a member of the street families and carrying a sack. He had stuffed the spear in the sack.
He then hid behind a flower bed and removed it before spearing the slain officer in the chest, witnesses said. By then, the officer and two others were busy checking and clearing a car that was getting into the State House.
