The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has provided an update on its investigation into the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Mombasa on New Year’s Eve, revealing that the probe is at an advanced stage.

In a statement posted on their X account on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, IPOA Chairperson Ahmed Issack Hassan announced that key witnesses have been interviewed and evidence has been preserved following the death of Dennis Ringa Swaleh at Utange-Swale Nguru Shopping Centre in Kisauni Sub-county.

“Fourteen-year-old Dennis Ringa Swaleh was fatally shot in Mombasa on New Year’s Eve, and IPOA took up the matter immediately,” the authority stated.

Investigation progress

According to the Chairperson, investigators have completed several critical steps in examining the circumstances surrounding the Grade Six pupil’s death.

Among the steps, IPOA investigators attended the postmortem examination of the deceased on Sunday, January 5, 2026, to gather forensic evidence.

Additionally, key witnesses, including police officers and members of the public, have been interviewed and their statements recorded, with investigators obtaining evidence from the scene.

“Key witnesses, including police officers and members of the public, have been interviewed and their statements recorded. Evidence from the scene of the incident and other police documents have been obtained and preserved,” Hassan stated in the press release.

Next steps

IPOA indicated that the investigation remains ongoing, pledging to forward the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions with recommendations regarding the culpability of any officers involved upon conclusion of the investigation.

“Further, more witnesses are set to be interviewed, and some of the evidence collected will be submitted for ballistic examination,” the authority stated.

“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 added.

The oversight authority further extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased teenager, emphasising its commitment to conducting thorough and impartial investigations into the incident.

“The Authority condoles with the family and friends of the deceased and pray that they find solace at this difficult time. IPOA commits to fair, impartial and independent investigations,” the authority concluded.