IPOA launches investigations into fatal Garissa shooting
IPOA confirmed that its Rapid Response Team had already begun probing the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan, who was shot on April 21 near the Modika roadblock.
The Independent Policing Oversight (IPOA) has opened investigations into the fatal shooting of a taxi driver in Garissa County following an early morning incident involving police officers.
In a statement released by IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Mwangi, the agency emphasized its commitment to carrying out independent and impartial investigations. IPOA confirmed that its Rapid Response Team had already begun probing the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan, who was shot on April 21 near the Modika roadblock.
According to the Authority, the investigation was initiated after it received formal notification from the National Police Service, as required by law. “Preliminary findings show that at around 2:20 a.m. on the day in question, the deceased responded to a distress call from a friend who had been arrested,” IPOA said.
The agency further noted that officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Balambala damaged the deceased’s vehicle during the incident.
A post-mortem later confirmed that the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head. IPOA reported that its investigators have attended the post-mortem, recorded witness statements, collected police documents, secured exhibits, and documented both the scene and the vehicles involved.
The Authority urged the public to remain calm to allow investigations to proceed smoothly.
The killings sparked protests by hundreds of Garissa residents demanded swift action over the killing of the 22-year-old taxi driver at the Modika roadblock on Tuesday morning, April 21, 2026.
Local leaders who included Senator Abdulkadir Mohamed Yusuf Haji, Women representative Udgoon Siyad and Nominated MP Umul Kheir Haroun strongly condemned the killings as they called for justice.
While raising the matter at the senate, Senator Abdul Haji noted that the police brutality has become a matter of national concern particularly in marginalised areas where public confidence in police is eroding.
“I would like the CS to inform us on the status of investigation if any have taken place, to my understanding the alleged shooter is on the run could the CS inform if he has been arrested,” he asked.
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Residents stated that the deceased, Aden Mohamed, had been called by his friends, Abdiaziz Dere and Abdullahi Mohamed, at around 2 a.m. after they were handcuffed by police officers at the roadblock, asking him to help secure their release.
Upon arrival, a confrontation broke out between the deceased and a police officer, who then shot him in the head at close range.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed earlier that the police officer accused of the shooting has fled and is currently being pursued by security agencies.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Murkomen said the officer went into hiding after the incident at the Modika roadblock.
“The report I have, Mr Speaker, is that the officer is on the run. DCI officers within the county are pursuing him, and we believe he will be arrested soon,” he said.
Murkomen added that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is leading efforts to track down the suspect, with IPOA also participating in the investigation.