Three Shot in Huruma Protests Over Fatal Police Shooting of KMTC Student

Three residents sustained gunshot wounds on Wednesday evening, February 11, 2026, in Nairobi's Huruma area amid protests over the fatal shooting of a Kenya Medical Training College student. The injuries occurred during clashes between police and demonstrators who had gathered to block the Outer Ring Road in response to the death of Cheryl Adhiambo.

Adhiambo, aged 21 and a first-year student at KMTC, was shot in the head on Saturday evening in Huruma's Ngei I area. A post-mortem confirmed the cause as a gunshot wound to the head. Residents allege she was hit by a stray bullet during a police operation pursuing a suspected criminal near her mother's fishmonger stall. The incident sparked immediate outrage, leading to overnight protests on Saturday and Sunday, with roads blocked, bonfires lit and at least three buses torched. Shops were looted in the chaos, and the local police station was vandalised.

Tension persisted into the week. On Wednesday, youth attempted to block the Outer Ring Road again, prompting a heavy police response. Amid the melee, a female officer reportedly fired her weapon, wounding three protesters on the thighs and lower limbs. The injured were rushed to hospital, though their conditions were not detailed in initial reports.

Police described the original Saturday incident as occurring during pursuit of robbery suspects, with crossfire involved. Authorities have maintained it was not a targeted shooting of the student. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority deployed a Rapid Response Team on Sunday to investigate the circumstances of Adhiambo's death. Human rights groups criticised police for delays in recording the case in the Occurrence Book.

Residents and protesters have demanded justice, the arrest of the responsible officer and an end to what they call reckless operations in crowded residential areas. The shooting revived concerns over police conduct in informal settlements, where operations against crime suspects often lead to civilian injuries or deaths.

Huruma, a densely populated informal settlement in Kamukunji Constituency, has seen recurring protests over security issues, service delivery and police actions. The estate's narrow lanes, high population density and proximity to major roads like Outer Ring make it prone to rapid escalation when grievances arise.

For the construction sector, such incidents highlight risks to ongoing or planned infrastructure in informal areas. Projects like road upgrades, drainage improvements or housing developments in Huruma and neighbouring estates can face delays from unrest, vandalism or restricted access during protests. Security assessments become essential for workers and equipment on site.

The protests underscore broader public safety challenges in Nairobi's informal settlements. Calls for accountability continue, with residents vowing sustained demonstrations until demands are met. Police have urged calm and promised cooperation with IPOA investigations.