Garissa Police Killing Justice Demand

Police engage angry demonstrators in running battles outside the Garissa police station./STEPHEN ASTARIKO

Pressure is mounting in Garissa as leaders intensify calls for the immediate arrest and prosecution of a police officer accused of fatally shooting a taxi driver.

The victim, 24-year-old Aden Mohamed, was allegedly shot dead by a police officer said to be attached to the DCI in Garissa.

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The officer is reportedly on the run, with the government still pursuing him.

On Thursday, Garissa Woman Representative Udgoon Siyad issued an ultimatum to the police, demanding swift action or risk more mass protests.

The lawmaker, who a day earlier led hundreds of residents in demonstrations to a local police station, said the community would not relent until justice is served.

“We will not rest until the officer responsible is arrested and arraigned. This is not the first incident of a police shooting in Garissa, and we will pursue this matter until justice is achieved,” she said.

Garissa Senator Abdul Haji also weighed in, confirming that he had engaged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to seek clarification on why the officer had not yet been arrested.

According to the senator, the Cabinet Secretary assured him that the matter is being treated with the seriousness it deserves and that steps are underway to ensure the suspect is apprehended and subjected to due process.

Haji further raised concerns over numerous police roadblocks along the Modika–Barack Junction corridor, which have drawn public complaints over alleged harassment and extortion.

He called for an explanation of their legal basis and accountability for any unlawful operations.

“Any police officer found culpable must be held fully accountable. Officers are entrusted with the duty to protect life, not to intimidate or unlawfully take it,” he said.

Dadaab MCA Mohamed Abdi Farah had earlier said the family and community would delay the burial until a government pathologist completes a postmortem examination.

“Burying victims of alleged police brutality prematurely has often denied families justice. This time, we will wait until investigations are complete and those responsible are arrested,” he said.

On Wednesday, a postmortem conducted at the Garissa Referral Hospital mortuary revealed that the victim died from a single gunshot wound. Government pathologist Edwin Walonga said the bullet entered through the nose and exited at the back of the head, causing fatal brain injuries.

“The bullet caused extensive damage to the brain and skull, leading to instant death. We have also collected samples for further analysis,” he said.

Farah accused some police officers of abandoning their duty to protect citizens and instead engaging in acts of violence against innocent residents.

Baraki MCA Hassan Geley alleged a possible cover-up, claiming the suspect had been moved out of Garissa in a police vehicle.

“We want the Independent Policing Oversight Authority to produce the firearm used and the vehicle involved. There must be transparency in this investigation,” he said.

Geley further accused officers stationed at Modika of harassing travellers, including scrutinising phone contacts and mobile money accounts.

In Nairobi, some Garissa MPs condemned the incident, describing it as part of a worrying pattern. Lagdera MP Abdikadir Hussein alleged that some officers have been harassing and extorting motorists under the guise of crime prevention.

“These officers are known, and so are the vehicles they use. Investigating authorities must act immediately,” he said.

Garissa Township MP Dekow Mohamed claimed residents who fail to cooperate with police risk being profiled and handed over to anti-terrorism units.

“We have information that those who do not comply are threatened with terrorism-related charges,” he said.

Speaking to the press, Northeastern Regional Police Commander Nzioka Matasi confirmed that the case had been handed over to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority for investigation.

“Our officers were on patrol when the incident occurred. IPOA has taken over the investigations and we are providing all necessary support,” he said, dismissing claims of a cover-up.

As investigations continue, leaders and residents insist that accountability and justice for Aden Mohamed remain non-negotiable.

Angry residents with the body of the victim, 24-year-old Aden Mohamed, outside the Garissa police station./STEPHEN ASTARIKO