An autopsy has confirmed that 21-year-old Sheryl Adhiambo, who was reportedly shot by police in Huruma Estate, Nairobi, died from a single bullet wound to the head.
Pathologists Grace Midigo and Simon Omuok conducted the postmortem examination at the City Mortuary, establishing that the bullet entered through the left side of the deceased’s head and exited from the back, hence causing severe damage to the cerebral cavity.
The pathologists described the injuries as fatal, leaving no chance of survival. “The body had a single bullet wound in the head”, said Midigo.
Adhiambo, who was a student at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC), was shot on Saturday night, in an incident that led to two days protests in the area. The family members said that she had completed her examinations and was in Huruma to offer a helping hand to her mother who owns a fish business.
A group of activists and political leaders who assembled at the City Mortuary demanded justice and accountability, calling for swift action against the officer involved in the shooting.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that it had deployed a Rapid Response Team to investigate the incident, with officers who were present during the autopsy.
IPOA said that its team is gathering evidence, carrying out interviews, and analyzing available exhibits to establish the circumstances surrounding Adhiambo’s demise.
The National Police Service (NPS), on the other hand, has issued a statement outlining the events that led to the shooting. Police said that a complainant had earlier reported being attacked by five young men, robbed of a silver chain and Sh1,800 and threatened with death.
Officers responding to the complaint, apprehended two suspect, and two more arrested later in the evening.
The police said that one suspect raised an alarm during the second arrest, drawing a hostile crowd that began throwing stones at officers. The NPS said that the officers were forced to fire warning shots to disperse the crowd, during which Adhiambo was fatally shot.
The incident sparked violent protests which led to the torching of at least three vehicles and several properties destroyed. The authorities urged residents to remain calm as investigations by both IPOA and the police continue.
