What should have been a quiet Saturday evening in Huruma turned tragic after a police bullet killed a 21-year-old college student, sparking grief, anger and unrest in the Nairobi neighbourhood.
Cheryl Adhiambo, a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College, was fatally shot in the eye as police officers chased a suspect through the area.She died instantly inside her mother Caroline Akinyi’s fish kiosk, just days before sitting her end-of-term examinations.
Akinyi, overcome with grief, issued a powerful message to the government, saying she was surrendering her daughter’s case entirely to state authorities. “Sitaki maiti,” she said, explaining that she no longer wished to concern herself with burial plans or the pursuit of justice, leaving everything in the hands of the government.
The mother recalled the close bond she shared with Cheryl, built through years of working together and dreaming of a better future.
Those dreams, she said, were shattered at the very spot where they once shared conversations and hope.The killing triggered violent protests that stretched into Sunday afternoon.
Shops were looted, property destroyed and vehicles set ablaze as furious youths clashed with police.
Residents described scenes of lawlessness, with passersby attacked and businesses forced to close.
Human rights activists and local leaders condemned the shooting, accusing police of reckless conduct and attempts to frustrate justice.They demanded the immediate arrest of the officer responsible and swift action by oversight bodies.
The National Police Service said the incident occurred during an operation following a robbery report and confirmed that the Independent Policing Oversight Authority has launched investigations.
As Huruma counts the cost of the violence, a grieving mother’s words continue to echo — a stark demand for accountability from those sworn to protect.
By Nation