The Kenya High Commission in Canberra has addressed the death of a Kenyan national, Sheila Chebii, who died in Sydney, Australia.
In a press statement on May 25, the commission acknowledged that there have been concerns about the circumstances surrounding the death of Sheila Chebii.
On behalf of the government and Kenyans, the commission has extended its condolences to the family, friends, and the Kenyan community in Australia for the loss of the Kenyan nation.
In addition, the commission has affirmed that the Mission is actively engaging with the relevant Australian authorities to obtain information and updates concerning the death.
However, the Commission has clarified that the investigations surrounding the death of Sheila Chebii will be done in accordance with Australian laws and procedures.
“The High Commission is aware of concerns raised by members of the Kenyan community regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident. In this regard, the Mission is actively engaged with the relevant Australian authorities with a view to obtaining factual information and updates concerning the matter in accordance with Australian laws and procedures,” part of the press statement read.
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Members of the public have been advised by the Commission to avoid making speculation on the circumstances of the death of the Kenyan nation.
Further, the Commission has urged the public to refrain from disseminating unverified information while the relevant authorities continue the investigations and coronial processes.
Moreover, the Commission reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of overseas countries, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Continued engagements are expected to take place through the appropriate diplomatic and consular channels to aid in the investigations.
Any updates on the incidents surrounding the death of Sheila Chebii will be communicated through the Kenya High Commission through the official and verified sources.
Sheila Chebii Death Concerns
Sheila Jepkorir Chebii left Kenya for Australia on April 4, boarding a plane at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) with her family, being optimistic about her getting better academic outcomes from Australia.
However, not long after, the family in Elgeyo Marakwet received news of her death after arriving in Sydney to further her studies, pursuing a master’s degree in accounting and auditing.
On May 17, 2026, the family was notified that Sheila had died while working in a five-star hotel in Sydney, where she had secured a part-time job, according to the family.
The news of the death of their daughter was conveyed by their son, Amos Chebii, who works as an engineer in the UK.
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According to the family, the circumstances surrounding the death of their daughter were unclear, and therefore, they called upon the government to investigate the claims that their daughter’s death was accidental.
Speaking during a media interview, Chebii’s father demanded that if the death was accidental, the hotel should grant them access to the CCTV footage during the incident.
“What exactly happened to my daughter? How does a young girl die suddenly at her workplace without a clear explanation? If this was truly an accident, then we want transparency. We want to see CCTV footage from the hotel. We want investigators to explain her final moments. Such a facility must have proper safety systems and surveillance cameras,” Mr. Chebii, Sheila’s father, stated.
Sheila’s father further clarified that the family was informed that an autopsy on Sheila’s body could only be conducted after completion of a preliminary investigation by the police.
Members of the family, along with friends and some members of the public, have called on the Kenyan government and the Kenyan embassy in Australia to provide diplomatic support to secure justice for Sheila.
