NAIROBI, Kenya – The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic death of Sheril Adhiambo, a 21-year-old Kenya Medial Training College (KMTC) student, who was fatally shot in Huruma, Nairobi, over the weekend. The incident, which occurred on Saturday night, February 7, has ignited public outrage and renewed scrutiny over police conduct during operations.
Adhiambo, who had reportedly just completed her examinations, was caught in the crossfire during a police pursuit of robbery suspects in the Huruma Ngei area. The circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear, prompting IPOA to deploy a Rapid Response Team from its Nairobi Regional Office to the scene on Sunday, February 8, to commence investigations.
IPOA Vice Chairperson Ann Wanjiku Mwangi confirmed the probe on Monday, February 9, stating that investigators are actively gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing available exhibits to establish the full sequence of events. Mwangi assured the public together with, Adhiambo’s grieving family on IPOA’s commitment to conducting an independent, impartial, and thorough investigation to determine culpability and ensure accountability.
The National Police Service (NPS) has also initiated its own internal documentation and accountability process. According to a statement from the NPS, the events leading to the shooting began on Saturday morning when a resident reported being robbed of a silver chain and Ksh. 1,800 by five individuals known to him. Police officers, responding to the report, arrested two suspects initially, with two more apprehended later in the evening around 7:30 PM.
It was during this second arrest that one of the suspects allegedly raised an alarm, inciting nearby youths. The NPS reported that a crowd began pelting officers with stones and other projectiles, attempting to obstruct the arrest. In response, officers reportedly fired warning shots into the air to disperse the agitated crowd. Tragically, it was during this confrontation that Sheril Adhiambo sustained the fatal gunshot wound.
The shooting immediately sparked protests in Huruma, with residents engaging police in running battles that continued into Sunday. The unrest escalated, with reports indicating that two vehicles were set on fire. The NPS has since urged residents to maintain calm, allow due process to unfold, and desist from further acts of lawlessness.
Adhiambo’s body has been moved to the City Mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination to shed more light on the cause of death. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with human rights organizations and political figures, including Martha Karua, calling for transparency and justice. The tragic loss of a young student’s life under such contentious circumstances underscores the urgent need for a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that justice is served for Sheril Adhiambo and her family.
