The family of Kithuka Kimunyi, the man who reportedly killed a GSU officer with an arrow at the State House gate D in Nairobi, says they are deeply shocked and saddened by the incident, describing Kimunyi as someone who had been struggling with mental illness for some time.

Speaking to the media at their home in Mukelenzu, Mbooni East constituency, Makueni County, the family said they first learned of the tragedy through news reports. 

They revealed that before the incident, Kimunyi had told his wife he was traveling to Nairobi, but he did not explain his purpose or destination, leaving the family unaware of his intentions.

According to his relatives, Kimunyi had been exhibiting signs of mental instability for quite some time, a condition that forced him to close down his business in Kalawa trading center. 

They added that, shortly before leaving for Nairobi, he appeared disturbed and was seen uprooting animal fodder at home, which they found unusual.

Neighbors and friends described him as a calm and respectful man, noting that the news of him attacking a GSU officer came as a great shock to the entire community.

His mother, speaking in deep sorrow, appealed to the government and the public to show compassion toward her son, saying:

“This incident has broken my heart, but I plead with the government to forgive my son. I ask Kenyans to help ensure he is taken to a hospital for treatment, because he has been mentally ill.”

The family has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, emphasizing that Kimunyi’s actions were not intentional but rather a result of his mental condition.

They also urged the public to be more understanding and supportive of people struggling with mental health challenges to prevent such tragedies in the future.