Police officer, Charles Ngulungu Kauwi, accused of fatally shooting a man in Garissa County has on 22nd May 2026 denied a manslaughter charge before the Milimani Law Courts, with the matter now set for a ruling on bail and bond application on May 29, 2026.
The case came before Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo, where the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge of manslaughter following the death of Adan Mohamed Hassan.
Court documents seen by kauntinews.com revealed that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, in the Modika area of Garissa County, where the deceased was allegedly shot at close range during the early hours of the morning and died instantly at the scene.
The prosecution opposed the officer’s release on bond, urging the court to have him remain in custody pending trial.
Through an affidavit filed by an investigator from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the court was told that the accused allegedly went missing from duty for about 15 days after the incident before being arrested on May 6, 2026.
The prosecution further argued that the officer poses a flight risk and could potentially interfere with witnesses, some of whom are fellow officers stationed in the same area, while others are civilians who were present or reside near the scene of the shooting.
It was also noted that tensions remain high in the area, with the Garissa–Mwingi road reportedly affected shortly after the incident.
Investigators additionally informed the court that one key witness, who is said to have witnessed the shooting, is currently undergoing psychosocial support due to trauma.
In response, the defence opposed the prosecution’s application, maintaining that the accused has fully cooperated with investigators and surrendered his firearm immediately after the incident.
They also argued that there was no sufficient evidence proving that the officer fled to evade arrest or justice.
The defence further pointed out that previous attempts by the prosecution to revoke bond in separate proceedings at Makadara Law Courts were declined, and insisted that the accused has remained available to investigators throughout the process.
Presiding Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo will deliver a ruling on whether the accused officer will be released on bond or remain in custody on May 29, 2026, as the case proceeds.
