IPOA probes torture, extortion, death threat claims by Eastleigh businessman who refused to bribe police

IPOA officials’ vehicle parked at the scene where Ahmed was allegedly forced into a car by the officers under investigation. IPOA recorded statements from Ahmed and witnesses. (Photo: Joseph Ndunda, EV)

By Joseph Ndunda
Thursday, August 7, 2025

The businessman has accused the officers of physical and mental torture, threats to kill, abuse of office, and unlawful detention. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, clearly shows the officers involved, and the footage has been preserved.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) investigators spent over two hours Wednesday evening at the premises of an Eastleigh businessman, located near Marie Stopes Hospital, collecting evidence regarding his claims of torture by two police officers after he allegedly refused to pay a Sh10,000 bribe.

Ahmed Abdi Hassan claims he was assaulted and seriously injured by Constables Liban and Osman on July 26 after declining to give them the bribe. He reported the incident to the IPOA on August 4.

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Ahmed says the officers summoned him to his business premises, a barber and entertainment shop (PlayStation gaming hub), where they arrested him after he refused to comply with their demands.

The businessman has accused the officers of physical and mental torture, threats to kill, abuse of office, and unlawful detention. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, clearly shows the officers involved, and the footage has been preserved.

According to Ahmed, the officers arrived at the shop at around 8pm in the company of a female colleague, using a white Nissan Wingroad bearing registration number KDH 549G.

In a letter to IPOA seen by this writer, Ahmed states that PC Liban entered the shop armed with a firearm and a rungu (club), accompanied by a female officer only identified as Kagwiria, and demanded the bribe.

Ahmed's lawyer, Amutallah Robert, who has petitioned IPOA to take action, claims the officers wanted the money in exchange for allowing his client to operate the business. He adds that the extortion attempts began late last year when Ahmed first started the business.

"After he refused to meet their demands, PC Liban dragged Ahmed to their car in full view of the public, leaving his business unattended. Once inside, PC Liban physically assaulted him with punches and kicks, injuring his right leg- which has a metal implant- his right eye, upper arm, and chest. He was then blindfolded with a piece of cloth and bundled into the boot of the white Nissan Wingroad, KDH 549G," the lawyer wrote.

"This egregious act was carried out in the presence of the Eastleigh North Police Station commander, who, according to Ahmed, aided and abetted the gross injustice inflicted upon him. The officers in question are no longer stationed in the area, and their current postings remain unknown."

The officers had reportedly been transferred out of Nairobi. IPOA is now investigating what they were doing back in the city.

PC Liban had been reassigned from Mathare Police Station to Tarmbaj Police Station in Wajir, while PC Osman had been transferred from Eastleigh Police Station to Maai Mahiu Police Station in Nakuru County.

Members of the public raised an alarm as the identities of the officers were unknown at the time and called the emergency control room to prevent what appeared to be an abduction. Investigations later revealed the officers had been removed from their former posts following earlier complaints.

"Following the public outcry, the two officers took Ahmed to Eastleigh North Police Station, where they reiterated their demands, threatening to fabricate charges against him if he failed to comply," the letter adds.

"Ahmed was booked at the station on false and malicious allegations of assaulting PC Liban, a move aimed at silencing him and covering up the physical assault and extortion he endured. He was later released on police cash bail of Sh10,000 the following evening."

Ahmed also alleges that the officers have been boasting about having protection from senior police commanders and rogue business elements, claiming they can act with impunity.