KMTC Student Killed in Huruma Clashes Following Police Confrontation
Violence erupted in Huruma, Nairobi, following clashes between police and local youths, which resulted in the death of a female student and widespread property damage.
The unrest began on Saturday, 7 February, after a robbery was reported at Huruma Police Station. A complainant accused five young men of assaulting him, stealing cash and a silver chain, and threatening his life. Police arrested two suspects that morning and two more later that evening.
Tensions escalated during the second arrest, when one suspect allegedly raised an alarm, attracting a crowd of youths who threw stones and other objects at officers. Police responded by firing warning shots, but the situation worsened when a female student from the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) was fatally wounded.
News of the student’s death sparked protests on Sunday, 8 February, with demonstrators setting fire to two vehicles and blocking roads with barricades. Police were deployed to extinguish the flames and restore order.
The National Police Service (NPS) condemned the incident, assuring the public that a full investigation would be conducted. The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has taken charge of the investigation, with officers gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
The family of the deceased student has called for justice, emphasising that she was preparing to resume her studies before her untimely death. While the NPS has urged calm, the tragic loss of life is likely to heighten scrutiny of police actions and the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms.
The IPOA’s involvement is intended to reassure the public that due process will be followed, but the next few weeks will test the ability of the authorities to ease tensions and ensure justice.
