An autopsy has confirmed that Sheryl Adhiambo, a 21-year-old student allegedly shot by police in Nairobi’s Huruma estate, died from a single bullet wound to the head.

The findings come as tension remains high in the area, following two days of protests sparked by her death on Saturday night.

Adhiambo, a student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), was shot during a police operation. Her killing quickly became a rallying point for residents and activists demanding justice and accountability.

What the autopsy found

The post-mortem examination was conducted at City Mortuary by two pathologists, Grace Midigo and Simon Omuok. They concluded that Adhiambo died instantly from the injury.

“The body had a single bullet wound in the head,” Dr Midigo said.

According to the pathologists, the bullet entered through the left side of her head and exited at the back, rupturing the cerebral cavity. They said the injuries were severe and unsurvivable.

A group of activists and political figures who gathered at the mortuary during the examination called for swift action against the officer involved. They urged authorities not to delay justice.

IPOA steps in

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) said it has deployed a Rapid Response Team to investigate the incident. Officers from the team were present during the autopsy.

In a statement, IPOA said it is collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses and analysing exhibits to establish what happened on the night Adhiambo was killed.

Both IPOA and the National Police Service (NPS) are now running parallel investigations.

How the shooting happened

Police have offered their own account of the events leading up to the shooting.

According to the NPS, a complainant reported earlier that day that he had been attacked by five young men known to him. He told police he was robbed of a silver chain and Sh1,800 in cash, and threatened with death.

Officers arrested two suspects. Further investigations later led to the arrest of two more that evening.

Police say that during the second arrest, one suspect raised an alarm. This drew a crowd of youths who began throwing stones at officers in an attempt to disrupt the operation.

The NPS said officers fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd. During that confrontation, Adhiambo was fatally shot.

The service has urged residents to remain calm and allow investigations to proceed, calling for restraint to help restore order in the area.

A life cut short

Family members say Adhiambo had just finished her examinations and had gone to Huruma to help her mother, who runs a fish business in the area.

Her death has fuelled anger in Huruma, part of the wider Mathare and Kariobangi neighbourhoods, long known for strained relations between residents and police.

Protests on Saturday night and Sunday left at least three vehicles torched and several properties destroyed, underscoring the depth of frustration in the community.

As investigations continue, many here are waiting to see whether the promised accountability will follow.