Family protest manslaughter charge in killing of Garissa taxi driver
Adan Mohamed was shot dead on April 21 at a police roadblock in Modika
The family of the 22-year-old taxi driver killed by a police officer in Garissa has criticised the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for charging the officer with manslaughter instead of murder.
Family lawyer Mahat Somane questioned why the DPP charged police officer Charles Ngulungu Kauwi, alias “Kyalo”, with manslaughter rather than murder. According to Somane, the family intends to challenge the charge, arguing that the circumstances surrounding the killing warrant a murder charge.
“We hope he will review the file again and prefer a murder charge, because we believe this was a blatant act of murder,” the lawyer said while addressing journalists at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi.
“We assure the family that we will get to the bottom of this matter and ensure substantive justice is served,” he added.
Flanked by family members of the deceased and political leaders from Garissa, Somane said the family would also seek compensation from both the suspect and the National Police Service.
Nominated MP Umulkheir Harun expressed disappointment over the charges, describing them as a travesty of justice.“I am disappointed by the direction the DPP has taken. To me, it feels like he is watering down the offence from murder to manslaughter. I will personally initiate a motion of impeachment in Parliament,” said the youthful legislator.
According to the charge sheet, the officer is accused of causing the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan on April 21, 2026, in the Modika area of Garissa County.
He was charged with manslaughter contrary to Section 202 as read together with Section 205 of the Penal Code.
The officer denied the manslaughter charge before Senior Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo.
The DPP opposed his release on bail, arguing that he is a flight risk since he had been on the run and could interfere with witnesses. A ruling on his bail application will be delivered on May 29, 2026. He was remanded at Industrial Area Prison.
During his first court appearance on Thursday, the officer’s plea-taking was deferred to allow him time to secure legal representation.
Adan Mohamed was shot dead on April 21 at a police roadblock in Modika after he reportedly went to assist a friend who was being detained by police officers.
The killing sparked public outrage and protests in Garissa, with local leaders and human rights advocates calling for justice and accountability.