The family of the man linked to the spearing of a General Service Unit (GSU) officer outside State House has spoken out, citing his history of mental illness and expressing shock over the incident that has triggered heightened security reviews.

Relatives of 56-year-old Kithuka Kimunyi said they were informed by his wife that he left their home in Mukelenzu village for Nairobi, Kalawa, Makueni County, on Sunday without disclosing his plans.

Mental health struggles

“The wife of the deceased told us what had transpired. She informed us that the husband had told her that on Sunday, he would be going to Nairobi, but did not reveal what he was going to do,” his niece, Catherine Mutisya, said.

She added that the family lost contact with him soon after he left. “The wife tried to reach him on the phone but could not find him until around 5 p.m., when she received a call from an unknown woman asking if she knew Kithuka Kimunyi,” Mutisya said.

“Later, we were called and told that he had been seen on TV after being arrested by officers for killing a GSU officer,” she added.

Mutisya explained that Kimunyi had battled mental health issues in the past. “Kithuka Kimunyi had been sickly and had mental issues, but was treated and became well, and even started working. However, of late, he left his business and started doing manual jobs at home,” she said.

She emphasised the family’s grief over the incident. “Sisi kama familia tuliona ni mtu mwenye tabia nzuri, hawezi kosea mtu. Hiyo kitendo iliyofanyika imetuhuzunisha sana,” she said.

“Tunomba serikali wamwachilie tujue vile tutamfanya, tumpeleke hospitali atibiwe ndio asirudie hiyo kitendo siku ingine. Pia tunahitaji maombi kwa sababu ako na shida ya kiakili,” Mutisya appealed.

Attack outside State House

The attack took place on Monday, October 13, at around 11 a.m. outside Gate D of State House along Dennis Pritt Road. Kimunyi, disguised as a street family member and carrying a gunny sack, approached a security clearing zone where Officer Ramadhan Hamisi Matanka and two colleagues were screening vehicles.

On October 14, Kimunyi, also identified as Kithuka Kimunyi Musyimi, appeared at Kibera Law Courts in a wheelchair under a miscellaneous application for murder.

Principal Magistrate Christine Njagi granted detectives 14 days to collect witness statements, conduct forensic analysis, and carry out a psychiatric evaluation. He will receive treatment at Mbagathi Hospital for injuries sustained during his arrest.

Matanka was buried the same day at Kajiado Cemetery after prayers at Kajiado Mosque. A three-volley salute was performed by GSU officers.