The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has opened investigations into the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old college student in Huruma, Nairobi, an incident that triggered violent protests and renewed anger over police conduct.
IPOA said it deployed a Rapid Response Team on Sunday, February 8, 2026, to investigate the death of Sheryl Adhiambo, who was allegedly hit by a stray bullet during a police operation on the evening of February 7.
According to the authority, investigators are collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and analysing exhibits to establish what happened and whether any officer should be held responsible.
Residents said Sheryl had just completed her college exams and had returned home to help her mother run a fish kiosk. Her family insists she was not involved in any criminal activity.
Her body is lying at the City Mortuary as her mother, Caroline Akinyi, struggles to accept the loss.
“I was visiting my younger child in school when I got the call that my daughter was dead. I have left everything in the hands of the government. I just want justice,” Akinyi said.
She said Sheryl was killed in the same place where they often shared dreams and memories.
Protests broke out in Huruma and Kiamaiko as residents demanded the arrest of the officer who fired the fatal shot. The demonstrations later turned violent, with youths blocking roads, stoning police officers and setting two public service vehicles on fire. Several shops were also looted as chaos spread.
Police responded with tear gas and fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowds. A heavy police presence remains in the area.
Mathare Residents Association spokesperson Alfred Ochieng said the shooting was reckless and called for immediate action.
Another resident, Okeyo, said the community was traumatised and living in fear.
Residents warned they would continue protesting if justice is not served.
The National Police Service said officers were responding to a robbery report made at Huruma Police Station.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri said a complainant reported being robbed of a silver chain and Sh1,800 by five youths, leading to several arrests.
He said violence erupted during the second arrest when a suspect raised an alarm and a hostile crowd attacked officers.
“The officers fired warning shots into the air. Shortly after, we received information that a member of the public had been fatally injured,” Muchiri said.
He urged residents to remain calm as investigations continue.
