Calls for calm in Garissa after protests over taxi driver’s killing
Planned follow-up protests were called off after a consultative meeting between County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and religious leaders from across the county.
Religious and political leaders in Garissa have called for calm as authorities continue investigations into the fatal shooting of a taxi driver.
The appeal follows incidents of property destruction during protests demanding justice after the tragic killing of Aden Mohamed, allegedly by a police officer.
Planned follow-up protests were called off after a consultative meeting between County Commissioner Mohamed Mwabudzo and religious leaders from across the county.
Mwabudzo reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring justice is served, emphasizing that the police officer responsible for the killing will face the full force of the law.
Religious leaders urged residents not to frame the incident along tribal or religious lines, stressing that the actions of an individual should not be attributed to entire communities.
While strongly condemning the incident and calling for justice, SUPKEM Garissa Chairman Sheikh Hassan Abdi cautioned residents against engaging in demonstrations that could lead to further violence or destruction of property.
“We strongly condemn the killing of our child by a police officer. A criminal is a criminal—he has no race, no religion, no tribe, and no status in this world. If the said officer committed these acts, he should be charged immediately in a court of law,” Sheikh Hassan said.
“Several days have now passed without an arrest being made. However, the county commissioner has assured us that investigations are at an advanced stage and that the officer will be apprehended soon. Let us all maintain peace as one people,” he added.
His message was echoed by Garissa Women Representative Edo Udgoon Siyad who called for restraint stressing that focus should be on achieving justice.
“Stop the violence. When chaos continues, the focus is lost. This is how we are distracted from our rights, so calm the town and proceed with restraint. The focus and attention should be on the person who killed our young man and those who helped him escape,” she said.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has already launched investigations into the fatal shooting, which occurred on April 21, 2026, near the Modika roadblock.
The deceased was shot while responding to a distress call from a friend who had been arrested by DCI officers based in Balambala.
The agency also urged members of the public to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, noting that restraint is essential to allow the process to proceed without disruption.