Residents of Huruma in Nairobi woke up on Sunday, February 8, 2026, to anger and fear after police shot dead a 21-year-old college student during an operation in the area.

The victim, Sheryl Adhiambo, was a first-year student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC). Police shot her on Saturday evening as officers chased a suspected criminal in Huruma Ngei I. A stray bullet hit Sheryl as she went about her normal business.

Sheryl had just finished her exams and had returned home to help her mother at a fish kiosk. Her family says she was not involved in any criminal activity.

Her body lies at the City Mortuary, formerly known as Nairobi Funeral Home. Her mother is still struggling to come to terms with the loss. When journalists spoke to her, she could barely speak before breaking down in tears.

The killing sparked protests that began on Saturday night and continued into Sunday. Residents poured into the streets demanding the arrest of the officer who fired the shot. Crowds gathered at key junctions in Kiamaiko and Huruma.

The protests quickly turned violent. Youths threw stones at police officers, who responded with tear gas and live rounds fired into the air. The clashes spread across the area as tensions rose.

During the unrest, protesters torched at least two public service vehicles (PSVs) and damaged another vehicle. Some people looted shops amid the chaos. Residents said criminals took advantage of the disorder to rob businesses.

Police response under scrutiny

Police defended the operation, saying officers were responding to criminal activity in the area. They said suspects had been terrorising residents and that the operation aimed to restore security. However, police have not named the officer involved in the shooting. Authorities say they will carry out a full investigation.

Human rights activist Hussein Khalid also confirmed the incident in a post on X.

“21-year-old Sheryl Adhiambo was shot dead last night allegedly by police in Huruma Ngei in Nairobi,” Khalid wrote. “Her killing has sparked protests where local residents are engaging police in running battles in Huruma presently.”

Police maintained a heavy presence in Huruma on Sunday, with officers patrolling the streets to prevent further violence. Tension remained high as residents demanded answers.

The incident has renewed concerns about security operations in Huruma. Residents often complain about gang violence in the area, but many also accuse police of using excessive force during crackdowns. Locals say they feel trapped between criminals and aggressive policing.