Kenyan Community in Australia Plans Procession Over Death of Sheila Jepkorir Chebii

Kenyan community leaders in Australia have organised a peaceful procession to the Kenyan High Commission in Canberra on Tuesday, 26 May, following the death of 25-year-old Sheila Jepkorir Chebii in Sydney. 

Organisers say they will deliver a formal petition calling for justice, transparency and accountability in the investigation. Sheila, who worked as a hotel housekeeper, was reported to have fallen from the 19th floor of the building where she was on duty and landed on the 4th floor. 

Her family disputes that account, arguing that the injuries on her body did not match the severity of such a fall. Relatives said she had only minor bruises and a small wound on her forehead.

The family has also questioned the circumstances leading to her death. They said no witnesses have come forward and that Sheila was last seen entering a room on the 19th floor before she was later found on the 4th floor.

Further concerns have been raised about surveillance footage from the building. Cameras reportedly recorded Sheila entering the hallway on the 19th floor, but there was no footage from the area where her body was discovered.

Relatives have also challenged the reported timeline of events. According to the family, police records placed her time of death at 12:30 pm, yet they claim Sheila made a phone call and sent text messages around the same time.

Community leaders in New South Wales said their concerns extend beyond Sheila’s case and include questions about workplace safety, police procedures and the coroner’s process in Australia. They confirmed that the Kenyan Consulate and senior Kenyan officials, including governors, senators and MPs, had been informed about the matter and were monitoring developments.

Organisers of the procession said the demonstration would remain peaceful and lawful. Participants have been asked to wear white as a symbol of unity and justice. Australian Capital Territory Police and the Kenyan High Commission are also being formally notified ahead of the event.

Online, the hashtag #JusticeForSheila has continued to circulate among Kenyans in different countries, with supporters calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.