NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested a man who allegedly attempted to force his way into the restricted area of State House in Nairobi through Gate D.
The incident occurred at about 1:32pm on Sunday, October 4, when General Service Unit (GSU) officers manning the entrance noticed the man attempting to gain access to the restricted area.
According to police, the man was driving a tuk-tuk and continued towards security barriers after officers ordered him to stop.
He was intercepted and arrested before he could gain access to the protected area.
During questioning, police said the man told officers that he wanted to meet President William Ruto.
He reportedly had no appointment to see the President.
Police said he was taken into custody pending further investigations as officers sought to establish his intentions and the circumstances surrounding the attempted entry.
It was not immediately clear whether President Ruto was at State House when the incident occurred.
Security operations were subsequently mounted around the area, with officials saying security measures had been heightened following the incident.
Gate D has been the scene of a previous attack
The latest incident occurred at the same State House entrance where a GSU officer was fatally attacked in 2025.
Court records show that Kithuka Kimunyi Musyimi is facing a murder charge over the death of Constable Ramadhan Khamisi Matanka, a GSU officer attached to State House.
The court record places the incident on 13 October 2025 at State House, Nairobi. Prosecutors allege that Musyimi attacked Matanka while the officer was on duty at the highly secured facility.
According to court proceedings, Musyimi was arrested after the attack and later charged with murder. He pleaded not guilty after a mental assessment found him fit to stand trial.
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The prosecution opposed his release on bail, citing public safety and national security concerns. In May 2026, the High Court at Kibera dismissed his bail application, finding that the prosecution had established compelling reasons linked to public safety and national security.
The 2025 case remains before the courts.
Investigations continue
Police have not indicated that Sunday’s incident was connected to the earlier attack or identified a broader motive behind the attempted entry.
The suspect remains in custody as investigators establish more about his movements, intentions and the circumstances that led him to approach the restricted entrance.
The incident has nevertheless renewed attention on security arrangements around State House, one of the country’s most protected government facilities.
Police have yet to announce whether the suspect will face specific charges following completion of the investigations.
