The Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of a taxi driver in Garissa County, a case that has sparked protests and raised questions about police conduct.
IPOA Vice Chair Ann Wanjiku, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that the Authority’s Rapid Response Team has taken up the case involving Adan Mohamed Hassan, who was shot near Modika Barrier in the early hours of Tuesday.
“The Authority initiated the investigations after receiving official notification of the incident from the National Police Service, as required by law,” Wanjiku said.
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Initial details gathered by investigators show that at around 2.20am, Hassan had answered a distress call from a friend who had reportedly been arrested by police officers in the area.
His vehicle was reportedly damaged during the encounter, with officers from the Balambala Directorate of Criminal Investigations said to have been involved.
“While the deceased attempted to intervene, he suffered a fatal gunshot injury,” IPOA stated. A post-mortem later confirmed that he died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
Wanjiku said IPOA officers have already carried out several actions as part of the inquiry, including attending the post-mortem, taking statements from witnesses, reviewing police records, securing exhibits, and documenting both the scene and the vehicles involved.
“The Authority remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter,” IPOA said, appealing for calm among residents as the probe continues.
The killing has sparked protests in parts of Garissa, with residents demanding justice and questioning the actions of the officers involved. Many described Hassan as innocent and called for accountability over the shooting.
According to the National Police Service, the incident began when officers stopped and arrested a driver at the location. Police claim a second vehicle, a Toyota Probox carrying about nine people, arrived soon after.
Officers allege that those in the vehicle were armed with a rifle and machetes and attacked them, forcing police to fire warning shots into the air as they retreated.
Residents, however, have challenged that account, insisting that the force used may have been excessive and urging a full and open investigation.
The body was taken to the Garissa County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it remains pending further processes.
The area has previously been flagged by authorities for smuggling of uncustomised goods from neighbouring Somalia, a situation that officials say can complicate policing operations.
IPOA’s findings are now expected to shed light on what transpired and determine whether any officers will be held responsible.
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