Suspect in State House drama says devil sent him

A man accused of attacking a police officer with a spear at State House Gate D has told a Nairobi court that he was sent by the devil to commit the act.

Appearing before Senior Principal Magistrate Christine Njagi at the Milimani Law Courts, the suspect — identified as Kithuka Kimunyi— was charged with attempted murder after allegedly spearing Constable Ramadhan Hamisi Matanka while trying to force his way into the State House compound on October 13, 2025.

According to court records, Kimunyi was shot in the leg by officers who subdued him after he refused to surrender.

He was later taken to Kenyatta National Hospital under police guard before being presented in court once doctors cleared him for trial.

In his brief address to the court, Kimunyi said, “I was sent by the devil to do what I did. I am not myself.”

Magistrate Njagi ordered that the suspect be taken for mental assessment before taking plea, noting that his statement in court raised questions about his mental fitness to stand trial.

“The accused shall be taken to Mathari National Teaching and Referral Hospital for psychiatric evaluation. The report should be presented before this court on the next mention date,” she ruled.

Prosecution told the court that the accused was found in possession of a spear and a small knife when he attempted to gain entry into the highly secured premises.

Kimunyi did not have legal representation during the proceedings. The court directed that he be provided with a state lawyer once the psychiatric report is filed.

The case will be mentioned on October 21, 2025, when the report from Mathari Hospital is expected to determine whether he is fit to take plea.

Police have since said that investigations are ongoing to establish the suspect’s motive and whether he acted alone.