A fresh investigation has been launched into the killing of a 21-year-old student in Huruma, Nairobi, an incident that has reignited public anger over police operations in residential areas.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed it has dispatched a Rapid Response Team from its Nairobi Regional Office to probe the death of Sheril Adhiambo, who was shot on the evening of February 7, 2026. The shooting occurred during a police operation in Huruma Ngei I, where officers were reportedly pursuing suspected robbers.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi said investigators were already at the scene collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and examining exhibits to establish how the fatal shooting happened. She noted that the authority would conduct an independent and impartial inquiry to determine responsibility.
Mwangi also conveyed condolences to Adhiambo’s family and urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue, assuring the public that accountability would be pursued once facts are established.
Residents claim the young woman was struck by a stray bullet as police chased a suspect through the neighbourhood. Police are yet to issue a detailed account of the incident, leaving many questions unanswered.
According to local accounts, Adhiambo was a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). She had recently finished her examinations and was helping her mother at a fish kiosk near their home when she was fatally shot.
Her death triggered immediate outrage in the area, with residents accusing police of reckless use of force in a densely populated estate. Protests erupted shortly after the incident, escalating into running battles between residents and police that lasted through Saturday night into Sunday morning.
During the unrest, several vehicles were torched, a local police station was vandalised, and roads were barricaded with burning debris. Businesses were looted as criminal gangs allegedly took advantage of the chaos, forcing many traders to shut down.
Security officers later moved in to restore order, firing shots into the air to disperse crowds and retrieve the victim’s body, which protesters had initially refused to release.
By Sunday, Huruma remained tense under heavy police patrols, with many businesses still closed and residents expressing fear over the unfolding situation. While police say they are conducting their own investigations, the incident has intensified public calls for transparency and accountability in cases involving alleged police misconduct.
