Hornpost
Garissa, Kenya (Horn post) The police in Kenya’s Northeastern region have denied responsibility for the killing of a Somali taxi driver in Garissa town, an incident that has sparked widespread anger among residents and local leaders.
Speaking to local media on Monday, Garissa County Police Commander Amos Ambasa rejected allegations that police officers were involved in the killing of 25-year-old Ahmed Sheikh Omar, who was shot dead on Sunday night.
Ahmed, a taxi driver described by residents as one of the most active young men in the town, was reportedly killed during an encounter that locals claim involved officers from the Rapid Response Unit (RPU) stationed in the Modhikaarey area. His family and community members allege that he was fatally shot by police.
Local leaders on Monday demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the officers allegedly involved in the killing. They stated that the deceased had a gunshot wound to the head and accused police of registering the incident as a road traffic accident. According to them, clear bullet injuries were visible on Ahmed’s head, contradicting the official police account.
However, Commander Ambasa offered a different version of events. He said that around midnight on Sunday, officers noticed a vehicle driven by the deceased abruptly veer off the road upon spotting the police, leading to a pursuit aimed at identifying the occupants.
“About 150 meters later, the officers established that the vehicle had been involved in a self-inflicted accident. The driver sustained serious injuries and later succumbed to them,” Ambasa said. He added that police also found two boys, estimated to be around 15 years old, who were taken in for questioning.
The police chief further stated that traffic police took over the matter after the incident, visited the scene, and conducted preliminary investigations before the body was transferred to Garissa Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.
Ambasa also claimed that when the deceased’s vehicle was taken to Garissa Police Station, it was found to be loaded with clothes and medicines suspected to have been brought in from neighboring Somalia.
“We have sought assistance from homicide detectives, and a thorough investigation will be conducted,” he added.
Meanwhile, former Garissa County Woman Representative Shukran Gure condemned the killing, describing it as a dark and painful day for the people of Garissa.
“This is a sad day for Garissa residents, who are facing acts of brutality where police can easily shoot and kill innocent civilians,” she said.
The incident has intensified tensions between the community and security agencies, with residents calling for transparency, accountability, and justice in the investigation.
Prepared by:
Hornpost staff reporter
