Garissa: Hundreds of Garissa residents and local leaders have called for speedy investigations into the killing of a 22-year-old taxi driver at the Modika roadblock yesterday morning by an alleged police officer.
According to Kenya News Agency, the deceased, Aden Mohamed, was summoned by his two friends, Abdiaziz Dere and Abdullahi Mohamed, around 2 a.m. after they were arrested and handcuffed by police officers at the Modika roadblock. They sought Aden’s help to secure their release. Upon his arrival at the scene, a confrontation reportedly ensued between Aden and a police officer, who then shot him in the head at close range.
When news of the incident reached Garissa town, residents took to the streets in protest, engaging police in running battles for hours. They demanded the arrest of the responsible police officer and justice for the deceased. Ali Hassan, an uncle of Aden, expressed his sorrow at the Garissa Police Station, condemning the actions of those meant to protect citizens. He urged the government to address rogue security officers.
Abdirizak Sirat Noor, a close friend of Aden, remembered him as a caring individual who always supported others in need. He called on the government to handle the matter with sensitivity to maintain the good relationship between the community and the police.
Garissa Woman Representative, Udgood Siyad, accompanied by Members of the County Assembly, urged Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen to take decisive action against the rogue officers and restore discipline within the service. Udgood also alleged a cover-up by security officials, pointing to the disappearance of the suspected officer.
North Eastern Deputy Regional Police Commander John Matasi denied cover-up claims, noting that the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) had taken over the investigation. He confirmed that Aden’s body was at the Garissa Referral Hospital mortuary pending a post-mortem examination. Matasi emphasized that IPOA is actively investigating the incident.
