Police have urged residents of Huruma, Nairobi, to remain calm after violent confrontations following the death of a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student.

The National Police Service (NPS) said the unrest began after a robbery complaint was reported at Huruma Police Station on the morning of Saturday, February 7.

According to police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, a member of the public reported being attacked by five young men known to him. He alleged they robbed him of KSh 1,800 and a silver chain, and threatened his life.

Officers moved to the area and arrested two suspects that morning. Further inquiries led to the arrest of two more suspects later in the evening, at about 7.30pm.

Police say tensions rose during the second arrest when one suspect allegedly raised an alarm. Youths in the area then began throwing stones and other objects at officers, apparently trying to block the arrests.

In response, officers fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd.

“During the ensuing confrontation, we later received information that a female KMTC student had been fatally injured,” Nyaga said.

News of the student’s death sparked anger in Huruma Estate. Two vehicles were set on fire, and sporadic violence continued into Sunday, February 8.

In its statement, the NPS acknowledged the student’s death and described it as tragic. The service appealed to the public to allow investigations to take their course.

“We urge residents to exercise restraint and give room for a full documentation and accountability process,” Nyaga said. He also called on anyone with information to share it with investigators.

The Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA) has since taken over the case. Officers from the agency were on the ground early Sunday, conducting inquiries with the cooperation of the police.

Meanwhile, the family of the deceased student has come forward demanding justice. Relatives say she was preparing to resume her studies before her life was cut short.

As investigations continue, police have warned against further destruction of property or attacks, saying calm is essential for the truth to be established.