The fatal shooting of a 21-year-old Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student in Huruma has put police conduct back under the spotlight, with the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) deploying investigators to the scene amid simmering tension.
IPOA said it had sent a Rapid Response Team from its Nairobi Regional Office to investigate the killing of Sheril Adhiambo, who died on the evening of February 7 during what police described as an operation to pursue robbery suspects.
The authority’s vice chairperson, Ann Wanjiku Mwangi, confirmed that investigators were already on the ground, recording statements, collecting evidence and examining exhibits to establish what led to the shooting.
“IPOA extends its condolences to the family of Ms Sheril Adhiambo, calls for calm, and assures the public and the bereaved family of its commitment to conducting independent and impartial investigations to establish culpability and ensure accountability,” Mwangi said.
The shooting happened in Huruma Ngei I, a densely populated area. Residents say Adhiambo was struck by a stray bullet as police chased a suspected criminal through the neighbourhood. Police have yet to issue a detailed account of how the incident unfolded.
According to family members and neighbours, Adhiambo was a first-year KMTC student. She had recently completed her examinations and was at home helping her mother at a fish kiosk when she was shot.
Her death sparked immediate anger. Protests broke out on Saturday night and spilled into Sunday, with residents accusing police of using excessive force in a residential area. Running battles followed, leaving several vehicles torched and a nearby police station vandalised.
Roads were blocked with burning debris, businesses were looted and public transport was disrupted. Residents said criminal gangs took advantage of the chaos, breaking into shops as security deteriorated.
Police later moved in to restore order, firing shots in the air to disperse crowds. Officers eventually removed Adhiambo’s body after protesters, demanding answers, had initially blocked access to the scene.
By Sunday, Huruma remained tense. Police patrols were visible across the area, many businesses stayed shut, and residents spoke of fear and uncertainty as they waited for clarity on what had happened.
Police say they are also conducting internal investigations. The case has renewed public calls for transparency and accountability in incidents involving police use of firearms.
Among those speaking out was People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, who called for a thorough and open inquiry.
“The killing of a young student in such circumstances is deeply disturbing,” Karua said, adding that it highlighted the need for urgent reforms in how police operations are conducted in civilian areas.
As investigations continue, Adhiambo’s family and the Huruma community are left grieving, while the country once again confronts hard questions about policing, public safety and trust.