The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched investigations into the fatal shooting incident that occurred over the past weekend, in the Huruma area of Nairobi County.
IPOA sent a Rapid Response Team from its Nairobi Regional Office to commence investigations into the incident where 21-year-old Sheril Adhiambo, a student at the Kenya Medica Training College (KMTC) lost her life, allegedly during a police pursuit of robbery suspects.
“Investigations are currently underway, with IPOA investigators actively gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing available samples and exhibits to establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting, with a view to informing subsequent
recommendations to relevant agencies,” IPOA stated.
IPOA further extended its condolences to the family of Adhiambo, calling for calmness as it assured the public and the bereaved family of its commitment to conducting independent, impartial, and thorough investigations to establish culpability and ensure accountability.
Residents of Huruma woke up to anger and fear on Sunday following the killing, which occurred in Huruma. Adhiambo was allegedly struck by a stray bullet as she went about her normal activities.
She had just completed her examinations and had returned home to help her mother at a fish kiosk. Her family maintains that she was not involved in any criminal activity.
Her body is lying at the City Mortuary, formerly Nairobi Funeral Home, as her mother struggles to come to terms with the loss.
Yesterday, the residents of Huruma poured into the streets demanding the arrest of the officer who fired the fatal shot, with crowds gathering at key junctions in Kiamaiko and Huruma.
The demonstrations turned violent as youths hurled stones at police officers, who responded with tear gas and fired live rounds into the air. At least two public service vehicles were torched, another damaged and several shops looted, with residents saying criminals took advantage of the chaos.
Police maintained a heavy presence in the area as tension remained high. The incident has reignited concerns over security operations in Huruma, where residents frequently complain about gang violence but also accuse police of using excessive force.
Sheryl’s mother, Caroline Akinyi, described the close bond she shared with her daughter and the pain of losing her in the same place where they built their dreams.
“I had gone to visit my younger child in school and was called and informed that my daughter is dead. I have left my daughter in the hands of the government. I do not want to know how she will be taken home for burial, how her issue will go, or if she will find justice. I have left her to the government,” Akinyi said.
“We are going to demonstrate here and show love to our sister Cheryl, a first-year student at KMTC, a comrade who has been killed, yet she had her whole life ahead of her,” one protester said.
The National Police Service defended the operation, saying officers were responding to reported criminal activity. Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said a robbery complaint lodged at Huruma Police Station on Saturday led to arrests that later escalated into unrest.
A complainant alleged he had been attacked and robbed of a silver chain and Sh1,800 by five youths, prompting the arrest of two suspects in the morning and two more in the evening.
“During the second arrest, one of the suspects raised an alarm and incited youths who responded by pelting the officers with stones and other projectiles. The officers were forced to fire warning shots in the air. A short while later, information was received indicating that a member of the public had been fatally injured during the confrontation,” Muchiri said.
He said the incident sparked chaos that saw two vehicles torched on Saturday night and Sunday morning, adding that IPOA has since commenced investigations.
He called on residents to remain calm as the probe continues.
