Political leader Martha Karua has called for accountability following the fatal shooting of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student in Huruma Estate, Nairobi, an incident that has sparked public anger, violent protests, and renewed scrutiny of police conduct.
The victim, 21-year-old Sheryl Adhiambo, was a first-year KMTC student who was shot on Saturday evening during a police operation in the densely populated estate.
According to reports, officers were responding to a robbery complaint and were attempting to arrest suspects linked to the incident.
Police stated that two suspects had earlier been arrested and that officers later returned to the area to apprehend additional suspects. During the second operation, a crowd reportedly formed, with some individuals throwing stones at the officers.
Police say they fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd, after which it emerged that a young woman had been fatally shot.
Sheryl was later confirmed to be uninvolved in the robbery. Residents and family members said she was near her home at the time of the shooting, with some accounts indicating she was helping her mother at a nearby business when she was struck by a bullet.
In a statement shared on social media, Karua described the killing as tragic and unacceptable, demanding a full, independent, and transparent investigation.
She questioned how an unarmed student could lose her life during a police operation and stressed that the right to life must be protected by the state without exception.
Following news of the shooting, tensions escalated in Huruma as residents staged protests, blocking roads, lighting fires, and clashing with police officers.
Several vehicles were damaged, businesses closed temporarily, and police used tear gas to disperse crowds demanding justice.
The National Police Service (NPS) acknowledged the incident and expressed regret over the loss of life, urging residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed.
Authorities confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken over the investigation, with officers involved expected to record statements and cooperate fully.
Human rights organisations and civil society groups have also weighed in, calling for transparency and accountability. Some raised concerns over alleged delays in officially documenting the incident, further intensifying public scrutiny.
Sheryl’s body was transferred to City Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted as investigations continue.
Her death has left the Huruma community in mourning, with residents describing her as a bright and promising student whose life was cut short under unclear circumstances.
The incident has once again drawn national attention to policing in residential areas, the use of force during operations, and the safety of civilians.
Political leaders, activists, and members of the public continue to demand justice, urging authorities to ensure accountability and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
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