A police officer attached to the Wajir command died on Sunday, June 1, after collapsing moments after participating in the Madaraka Day parade attended by President William Ruto at Wajir Stadium.
The officer, identified as Hassan Juma Moyo, had just completed the march-past during the national celebrations when he suddenly collapsed at approximately 9:05am, shocking fellow officers, dignitaries, and members of the public gathered for the event.
News of Moyo’s death was confirmed by Kwale County Woman Representative Fatuma Masito, who paid tribute to the fallen officer and his service to the country.
“It is with great sadness, on behalf of myself, my family, and all the people of Kwale County, that I receive the news of the death of the late Hassan Juma Moyo, a police officer who dedicated himself to serving our nation until his last breath when he suddenly passed away while on duty during the national Madaraka Day celebrations at Wajir Stadium,” she said.
Masito extended her condolences to the officer’s family, friends, colleagues, and residents of the Golini Lake area, describing him as a respected member of the community whose death is a significant loss.
Following the incident, Moyo was rushed to Wajir County Referral Hospital, where medical personnel attempted to save his life. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at around 10am, less than an hour after he collapsed.
Authorities indicated that the cause of death was a myocardial infarction, commonly known as a heart attack. The medical emergency reportedly occurred without warning in full view of hundreds of spectators attending the national celebrations.
President Ruto had been presiding over the 2026 Madaraka Day celebrations in Wajir, where thousands of Kenyans gathered to commemorate the country’s self-governance milestone.
By Sunday evening, the National Police Service had not issued an official statement regarding the officer’s sudden death.
The tragedy has once again drawn attention to the welfare and health of security personnel deployed during major national functions. Over the years, several incidents involving officers collapsing during official events have been reported across the country.
In December last year, an administrator collapsed during a graduation ceremony at Embakasi National Police College presided over by President Ruto. In 2021, a Kenya Navy officer fainted during Madaraka Day celebrations in Kisumu.
More recently, a sergeant attached to the Presidential Escort Unit died after collapsing at State House Nairobi in April 2025. In February this year, detectives launched investigations into the sudden death of another police officer stationed at State House in Mombasa.
The latest incident is likely to renew calls for enhanced medical screening, welfare support, and working conditions for officers tasked with providing security during high-profile state events.
