Tension flares in Huruma after police shooting kills KMTC student

Late KMTC student Sheryl Adhiambo who was shot dead during a police operation in Huruma Ngei I, Nairobi. PHOTO/@husskhalid/X

Residents of Huruma, Nairobi, remained on edge on Sunday following the fatal shooting of a 21-year-old Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student during a police operation, an incident that has sparked protests and renewed debate over the use of force by security officers.

The victim, identified as Sheryl Adhiambo, was shot on Saturday evening in Huruma Ngei I as police officers pursued a suspect believed to be involved in criminal activity in the area. 

According to eyewitnesses, a bullet fired during the chase struck the student, who was not a target of the operation.

Sheryl was a first-year KMTC student who had recently completed her examinations. Family members said she had returned home to help her mother run a small fish vending business when she was caught in the crossfire. Relatives insist she had no connection to any criminal activity.

Her body was taken to the City Mortuary as the family struggled to come to terms with the sudden loss. 

Neighbours described the incident as devastating, noting that Sheryl was well known in the area and had hopes of building a career in healthcare.

News of the killing triggered spontaneous protests on Saturday night that spilled into Sunday morning. 

Groups of youths barricaded roads in parts of Huruma and Kiamaiko, demanding accountability from the police and calling for the arrest of the officer responsible for the shooting.

The demonstrations later escalated into confrontations with police, with officers firing tear gas to disperse crowds. 

At least two public service vehicles were set ablaze, while several shops were vandalised amid the chaos. Residents reported that looters took advantage of the unrest to steal goods from businesses.

Police defended the operation, saying officers were responding to increased criminal activity in the neighbourhood. 

They maintained that the shooting was unintentional and said investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances under which the student was killed. However, no officer had been publicly identified by Sunday evening.

Human rights groups and activists condemned the killing, calling for an independent probe and urging authorities to ensure accountability. 

The incident has reignited long-standing concerns among Huruma residents, who say they live under constant threat from both criminal gangs and aggressive security operations.

By Sunday afternoon, police maintained a heavy presence in the area as tension remained high, with residents demanding justice for the slain student.