Police officer Charles Ngulungu Kauwi, accused of fatally shooting a man in Garissa County has on 29th May 2026 been denied bond. Ngulungu appeared before principal magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo.
According to the charge sheet seen by kauntinews.com, the incident reportedly occurred on April 21, 2026, in Modika, Garissa. Ngulungu is alleged to have shot the deceased, Adan Mohammed Hassan, at close range during the early hours, resulting in Hassan’s instant death.
In his ruling, Magistrate Onsarigo outlined that, during the previous court session, Ngulungu had pleaded not guilty to manslaughter under Sections 202 and 205 of the Penal Code. The prosecution had filed an affidavit opposing bond.
Earlier, an officer from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) explained that IPOA was investigating the death, which they began after filing a report on April 21.
Ngulungu had been on the run for 15 days following the incident and was arrested on May 16, having been declared a deserter.
The IPOA officer flagged Ngulungu as a flight risk, citing his history and the fact that he was a police officer based in Garissa, closely known to witnesses.
This raised concerns that he might interfere with witnesses if released. The officer also noted the tension in Garissa, revealing they were interviewing witnesses including one currently under psychosocial support and expressed concern over public interest in the case.
During cross-examination, the officer clarified that Ngulungu had surrendered his firearm and that there was no evidence indicating he fled due to the shooting.
He further stated that Ngulungu had sought to be held for 14 days at Madaraka Police Station and emphasized that police procedures are the responsibility of the National Police Service.
The prosecution argued that the seriousness of the offence, the risk of witness interference, and Ngulungu’s influence in Garissa justified denying bail. They cited precedents where bail was denied in cases involving police officers or when witnesses were at risk.
They emphasized that Ngulungu’s seven years in Garissa and his firearm training increased the likelihood of him evading arrest or intimidating witnesses.
Defense counsel Mr. Kimilu contended that the incident occurred during a police response to an attack by rowdy crowds and that Ngulungu enjoys the presumption of innocence.
He argued there was no concrete evidence to justify denying bond and highlighted that Ngulungu surrendered himself, noting that courts have previously granted bail in more serious cases.
In his ruling today, Onsarigo emphasized four reasons for denying bond, the seriousness of the offence, flight risk, safety concerns, and potential witness interference.
He noted that the gravity of the manslaughter charge makes bail inadvisable, especially given Ngulungu’s influence and the risk of interfering with witnesses, citing relevant case law and police cover-up concerns.
After the ruling, Mr. Kimilu expressed shock but stated an intention to seek revision and possibly approach the High Court promptly.
The court scheduled a mention for June 18, 2026, to confirm pre-trial arrangements.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, the family and leaders led by Galbet MCA Abubakar Mohammed welcomed the court’s decision to deny Mr. Ngulungu’s bond.
He also stated that he believes the team led by their lawyer and the court will serve justice to the deceased and his family.
“What we are asking for is all about justice. We are not asking for anything else. We have faith in the court, in our lawyer and his team, and we believe our deceased brother will be served justice,”concluded Mr. Mohammed.
