The independent policing oversight authority (IPOA) has moved to court seeking to detain a police officer accused of shooting a taxi driver in Garissa.
In its application to the court on Friday, May 22, IPOA cited concerns that the officer may interfere with witnesses in efforts to evade justice.
IPOA further argued that releasing the officer on bond would pose a serious risk to the ongoing investigation, claiming there is a likelihood that he could compromise evidence.
The authority is now urging the court to detain the officer while investigations into the fatal shooting continue.
The move by IPOA comes a day after the case was adjourned, while the court allowed the suspect to seek legal representation before taking a plea.
On Thursday, May 21, the court, however, revealed that the police officer will be charged with manslaughter.
The incident stems back to April 21, when the police officer is said to have shot the 22-year-old taxi driver before fleeing the scene.
IPOA also revealed that the suspect had neglected his duties for over 15 days before resurfacing.
The deceased, Aden Mohamed, was allegedly called by his two friends on the fateful day at around 2 am.
The two were reportedly arrested and handcuffed at the Modika roadblock, prompting them to call Mohammed so that he could help them be released.
According to witnesses, after arriving at the area, an argument ensued between Mohammed and the police officer, who then shot him in the head at close range.
Mohammed would later succumb to the injuries caused while the police fled the scene.