Africa-Press – Kenya. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has confirmed that investigations into the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Mombasa are at an advanced stage, as the agency moves closer to determining whether police officers involved will face prosecution.
In a statement on Tuesday, IPOA said it launched investigations following the death of Dennis Ringa Swaleh, a Grade Six pupil who was shot on New Year’s Eve at Utange–Swale Nguru Shopping Centre in Kisauni Sub-county, Mombasa County.
The probe formally commenced on January 2, 2026, just days after the incident that sparked public concern and renewed scrutiny of police use of force.
“The Independent Policing Oversight Authority launched investigations into the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy on New Year’s Eve and wishes to give a status update,” IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan said.
According to IPOA, investigators have already interviewed key witnesses, including police officers and members of the public who were present at or near the scene.
Statements from these witnesses have been recorded as part of efforts to reconstruct the events leading to the shooting.
IPOA further disclosed that evidence from the scene of the incident, alongside relevant police documents, has been obtained and preserved.
Investigators also attended the postmortem examination of the deceased on January 5, 2026, a critical step in establishing the cause and circumstances of death.
“Evidence from the scene of the incident and other police documents have been obtained and preserved,” the Authority said, adding that it has also secured medical findings from the postmortem examination.
The oversight body noted that investigations are ongoing, with more witnesses expected to be interviewed in the coming days.
Some of the evidence collected will also be subjected to ballistic examination to establish the origin of the firearm used and whether it was discharged by a police officer.
Once the investigations are concluded, IPOA said it will forward the inquiry file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), together with recommendations on the culpability of the officers involved.
“After the investigation is completed, the Authority will forward the investigation file to the Director of Public Prosecutions with necessary recommendations as to the culpability of the officers concerned,” the statement said.
The Authority expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, describing the period as a difficult time for them.
IPOA also reaffirmed its mandate, emphasizing its commitment to conducting “fair, impartial and independent investigations.”
