The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has commenced investigations into the fatal shooting of a Kitale National Polytechnic student by an officer attached to Kitale Police Station.

In a statement released on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, IPOA confirmed the arrest of the officer in question, who is currently detained at Kiminini Police Station as the probe continues.

The 22-year-old student, Dalphine Mwangi, succumbed to her injuries after initially being rushed to Wamalwa Kijana Hospital in Kitale and later transferred to Top Hill Hospital in Eldoret, where she passed away on October 24, 2025.

According to IPOA, the incident occurred on October 21, 2025, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County. The National Police Service notified IPOA of the shooting on October 22, prompting the launch of investigations.

Preliminary inquiries led to the arrest of the police officer, who was presented before the court and detained at Kimalel Police Station pending the completion of IPOA’s probe.

“The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head, was initially taken to Kijana Wamalwa Hospital before being transferred to Top Hill Hospital in Eldoret, where she succumbed to his injuries on 24th October 2025. Following preliminary inquiries, a police officer attached to Kitale Police Station was arrested, presented before the court, and detained at Kimalel Police Station pending the completion of IPOA’s investigations,” read the statement by IPOA

Area of crime

IPOA stated that significant progress has been made, including recording statements from witnesses and fellow officers, as well as collecting relevant documentary and forensic evidence. Investigators also visited the crime scene, gathering forensic samples to help reconstruct the events leading to the student’s death.

The incident occurred around dawn at Norec Shopping Centre, where the deceased and her colleagues were playing pool.

The main person of interest allegedly drew a firearm and shot the student at close range before fleeing on a motorcycle. Police officers recovered two spent 9mm cartridges and one bullet head outside the pool table shop.

“Meanwhile, the incident is reported to have occurred at around dawn, at Norec Shopping Centre, where the deceased and his colleagues were playing pool.” They continued.