By Andrew Kariuki

A police officer facing manslaughter charges over the death of a taxi driver in Garissa failed to take plea on Thursday 21,May 2026 after informing the court that he had not secured legal representation.

Police Constable Charles Ngulungu Kauwi appeared before court in connection with the death of 22 year old taxi driver Adan Mohamed Hassan, but proceedings were temporarily halted after the accused requested more time to engage an advocate.

The court subsequently pushed the plea taking to May 22, 2026 at 10:30am.

According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the officer is accused of unlawfully causing Hassan’s death on April 21, 2026 at around 2:10am in the Modika area of Garissa County.

The prosecution intends to charge the officer with manslaughter contrary to Section 202 as read together with Section 205 of the Penal Code.

Court records indicate that the matter is being prosecuted following investigations conducted by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), which has been pursuing the case on behalf of the State.

The documents further show that the officer was arrested on May 6 before being presented in court for plea proceedings.

During the session, advocate Mahat Somane, who appeared for the victim’s family, informed the court that the family had no objection to the adjournment sought by the accused officer.

“For the record, on behalf of the victim’s family, we have no objection to the plea being deferred to tomorrow to allow the accused person time to get a lawyer,” the advocate told the court.

The case is now expected to proceed on Friday when the accused officer is anticipated to formally respond to the charge after securing legal counsel.