An autopsy has confirmed that 21-year-old Kenya Medical Training College student Cheryl Adhiambo died after being hit by a single gunshot wound to the head, as questions persist over claims she was shot during a police operation in Huruma.
The postmortem, carried out by two pathologists, established that the bullet entered through the left side of her head and exited from the back, causing extensive damage to the brain cavity.
The doctors, Grace Midigo and Simon Omuok, concluded that the injuries were instantly fatal and that survival was not possible.
Adhiambo was reportedly shot on the evening of February 7 as police pursued suspected robbers within Huruma estate. The incident has since triggered tension and unrest in the neighbourhood.
Following the release of the findings, activists and political leaders called for justice and demanded that the officer linked to the shooting be held accountable.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority confirmed that it has dispatched a Rapid Response Team to probe the circumstances surrounding the death. The authority said investigators are collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and reviewing exhibits as part of efforts to establish what happened.
Separately, the National Police Service provided its account of events leading up to the shooting.
According to police, a complainant had earlier reported at Huruma Police Station that five young men known to him had attacked and robbed him of a silver chain and Sh1,800, while also threatening his life.
Officers said they first arrested two suspects, and later that evening tracked down two more.
Police stated that during the second arrest, one suspect raised an alarm, drawing a group of youths who began throwing stones at officers in an attempt to disrupt the operation.
The service said officers then fired warning shots into the air to disperse the crowd, during which Adhiambo was fatally shot.
The National Police Service urged residents to allow investigations to proceed and appealed for calm, asking the public to avoid further unrest as authorities work to establish the facts.
