Manhunt ends as DCI officer linked to Garissa taxi driver killing turns himself in

A Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer based in Garissa has surrendered after two weeks on the run over a fatal shooting.

Charles Ngulungulu Kauwa is being investigated for the murder of taxi driver Adan Mohamed Hassan. He was presented before Makadara Principal Magistrate Jane Mbati, during which Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigating officer Justine Nyatete sought custody to facilitate further investigations.

Nyatete requested that Ngulungulu be detained for 21 days to allow comprehensive investigations into Hassan’s death. However, the court granted a seven-day remand, after which the suspect may be released on a cash bail of Sh700,000 or a bond of Sh2 million with two sureties.

In an affidavit filed before the court, Nyatete stated: “We are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan, which occurred on April 21, 2026.

The Authority learnt of the shooting through mainstream and social media reports. Acting on its own motion, IPOA immediately commenced investigations to establish the full circumstances leading to the deceased’s death.”

Nyatete disclosed that Hassan died on the same day from gunshot injuries sustained at close range to the head. According to reports, the deceased had been summoned by two friends to assist them after they were stopped at a roadblock mounted in the Mundika area.

An argument with police officers ensued, culminating in the fatal shooting.

Following the incident, the suspect handed over his service firearm to his superiors, fled the scene, switched off his phone, and later surrendered at DCI headquarters. At the time, Kauwa was attached to the DCI’s Balambala Sub-County.

IPOA has since recorded statements from officers present at the scene, visited the location, and secured ballistic and post-mortem reports. The authority is also investigating the suspect in connection with injuries sustained by other individuals at the scene.

Blood-stained clothing and soil samples collected from the scene have been forwarded to the Government Chemist for analysis. Nyatete expressed concern that the suspect posed a flight risk and could interfere with witnesses, many of whom are his colleagues, as well as evidence, custody records, and other documentation.

He highlighted the significant public interest and widespread outrage the incident has generated since April 21. Nyatete further cited safety concerns, noting that community anger made it difficult to guarantee the suspect’s safety if released.

Magistrate Mbati acknowledged that the suspect had voluntarily surrendered his firearm and handed himself in. She ordered that Kauwa be remanded in custody for seven days, after which he may be released as directed.