A police officer accused of fatally shooting a 22-year-old college student in Kitale has been arrested as investigations into the incident intensify.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that the officer was apprehended following the alleged fatal shooting of Dalphine Mwangi, a student at Kitale National Polytechnic.
According to IPOA, following the shooting incident that occurred on October 21, 2025, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, the National Police Service notified the authority of the incident a day after it happened, prompting launch of investigations.
The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the head and was first taken to Kijana Wamalwa Hospital before being transferred to another hospital in Eldoret, where he succumbed to his injuries on October 24, 2025.
Following preliminary inquiries, IPOA arrested the police officer attached to Kitale Police Station and presented him before the court.
The officer was subsequently detained at Kiminini Police Station for ten days to allow investigators to complete their work.
IPOA stated that it has made significant progress in the case, including recording statements from witnesses and fellow officers and collecting relevant documentary and forensic evidence.
Investigators further visited the crime scene, where they gathered forensic samples to assist in reconstructing the events leading to the student’s death.
Further, IPOA also assured the public that the investigation will be concluded expeditiously, and appropriate recommendations will be made once the findings are finalised.
Meanwhile, the incident is reported to have occurred at around dawn, at Norec Shopping Centre, where the victim and his colleagues were playing pool.
Witnesses told police that an argument broke out between the student and a man later identified as a police officer.
The suspect allegedly drew his firearm and shot the student at close range before fleeing on a motorcycle.
Police officers responding to the scene recovered two spent 9mm cartridges and one bullet head outside a pool table shop.
