IPOA launches probe into fatal shooting of taxi driver in Garissa

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting of a taxi driver in Garissa county, an incident that has sparked protests and renewed concerns over police conduct.

In a statement, IPOA Vice Chair Ann Wanjiku said the Rapid Response Team had commenced investigations into the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan, who was shot near the Modika Barrier in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

“The Authority initiated the investigations after receiving official notification of the incident from the National Police Service, as required by law,” Wanjiku said.

Preliminary findings indicate that at approximately 2.20am, the deceased responded to a distress call from a friend who had reportedly been arrested by police officers.

During the incident, Hassan’s vehicle is said to have been damaged by officers attached to the Balambala Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

“While the deceased attempted to intervene, he suffered a fatal gunshot injury,” IPOA stated. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that the cause of death was a single gunshot wound to the head.

Wanjiku said its investigators have already undertaken several steps as part of the inquiry, including attending the post-mortem examination, recording witness statements, collecting police documents, securing exhibits, and documenting the crime scene as well as the damaged vehicles involved.

“The Authority remains committed to conducting independent and impartial investigations into the matter,” IPOA said, while urging members of the public to remain calm to allow for the smooth progress of the probe.

The shooting triggered protests in parts of Garissa, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice and accountability. Locals described the deceased as innocent and questioned the circumstances under which he was shot.

According to police, the incident unfolded after officers had stopped and arrested a driver in the area. They claim that a second vehicle, a Toyota Probox carrying about nine occupants, approached the scene shortly after.

Police allege that the group, reportedly armed with a rifle and machetes, attacked officers, forcing them to fire warning shots into the air as they withdrew.

However, residents have disputed this account, maintaining that excessive force may have been used and calling for a thorough and transparent investigation.

The body of the deceased was moved to the Garissa County Referral Hospital mortuary, where it awaits further procedures.

The incident occurred in a region that has previously been flagged for cases of smuggling of uncustomised goods from neighbouring Somalia, a factor that authorities say sometimes complicates security operations.

Attention now turns to IPOA’s findings, which are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether any officers will be held accountable.