Police Call for Calm in Huruma After Clashes Following Death of KMTC Student
The National Police Service (NPS) has urged residents of Huruma Estate in Nairobi to remain calm following violent clashes that erupted after a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student was fatally injured during a police operation, an incident that also saw two vehicles torched and property destroyed.
In a statement released on Sunday, February 8, 2026, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the unrest stemmed from a robbery incident reported at Huruma Police Station at around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 7. According to police, a complainant alleged that five young men known to him had attacked and robbed him of Ksh1,800 in cash and a silver chain, while issuing threats against his life.
Officers were dispatched to the area shortly after the report and arrested two suspects that morning. Further investigations led to the arrest of two more suspects later in the evening, at approximately 7:30 p.m.
According to the NPS account, officers fired shots into the air to disperse the hostile crowd and secure the arrests. Shortly afterwards, police received information that a female KMTC student had been critically injured during the confrontation and later succumbed to her injuries.
The student’s death sparked outrage among Huruma residents, with protests breaking out shortly after the incident. Demonstrators set two vehicles ablaze, blocked roads, and engaged in running battles with police, with the unrest spilling into Sunday.
In its statement, the NPS expressed regret over the loss of life and appealed for restraint as investigations continue.
“We deeply regret the tragic death of the KMTC student and convey our condolences to her family,” Nyaga said. “We urge residents to remain calm and allow the established accountability mechanisms to take their course.”
The police service said it had initiated a comprehensive internal review to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
“A full documentation and accountability process is currently underway,” the statement added, while urging members of the public with relevant information to cooperate with investigators.
The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since taken over the investigations. IPOA officials confirmed they were on the ground in Huruma early Sunday morning and are conducting independent inquiries with full cooperation from the police.
Community leaders and human rights groups have also called for calm, warning that continued violence could lead to further loss of life and destruction of property. Some residents, however, accused police of using excessive force, reigniting long-standing concerns over law enforcement conduct during operations in densely populated urban areas.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student has come forward to demand justice, describing her death as devastating and avoidable. According to relatives, the young woman was preparing to resume her studies at KMTC, where she was pursuing training in the health sector.
“She had dreams of completing her studies and serving the community,” a family representative said. “We want the truth to come out, and we want justice for our daughter.”
The incident has once again brought national attention to the relationship between police and local communities, particularly during arrest operations and crowd control situations. Authorities have reiterated that any officers found culpable will be held to account in accordance with the law.
As investigations continue, the NPS has urged residents to desist from further acts of violence and destruction, emphasizing that calm and cooperation are critical to ensuring justice is served.
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Police Call for Calm in Huruma After Clashes Following Death of KMTC Student
